Open Light Touch Framework for Independent and Alternative Education Support for Children and Young People in Devon
Devon County Council, the local authority responsible for education and children’s services in Devon, is establishing an open framework for independent and alternative education support for children and young people. The framework covers pre-16 and post-16 education placements for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), along with bespoke alternative education packages forming part of education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) or supporting reintegration into school or transfer to another education setting. Providers will be expected to deliver appropriate education placements or tailored support packages in accordance with each learner’s statutory EHCP and individual educational needs. The estimated framework value is £613,990,000, although no contract duration or framework term is stated in the available information. Delivery will take place across Devon and the wider UKK region. The critical qualification is the ability to provide the relevant independent, non-maintained, post-16, or alternative education provision for children and young people with the specified SEND and EHCP requirements.
Buyer: Devon County Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 28 Sept 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £614m
- Bids close: 10 Nov 2026
- Location: South West (England), Devon CC
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 28 Jan 2027 to 4 Jan 2028
- Category: Education and training services (80000000)
From the official notice
Devon County Council will be setting up an open framework (Framework Three) for Independent and Alternative Education Support for Children and Young People in Devon. The framework will comprise the following Lots: Lot 1a - Pre-16 Education Placements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with independent schools, independent special schools or non-maintained special schools. Lot 1b - Post-16 Education Placements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care Plan(EHCP) with independent post-16 settings and independent special post-16 settings schools and colleges. Lot 2a - Bespoke packages of Alternative Education Provision support which form part of an educated other than at school (EOTAS) which has been named within a child or young person's statutory Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Lot 2b - Bespoke packages of Alternative Education Provision support to enable children and young people to reintegrate to their school or move onto another education setting.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 10 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £614m.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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