North West SEND Flexible Purchasing System (FPS)

The services covered in this Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) are for Children, Young People and Young Adults aged up to 25 in Independent and non-maintained special schools and all Post 16 Institutions who have an education, health and care plan (ECHP).

Phase 1 will include independent and non-maintained special school (INMSS) placements for Learners aged up to 16 who have an education, health and care plan (ECHP).

Phase 2 will include placements for Learners 16 – 25 years who have an education, health and care plan (ECHP).

This Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) will facilitate the Local Authorities of the North West to purchase these services from the Supplier through a Call Off Contract comprising an Individual Placement Agreement or Block Contract subject to the terms and conditions of the FPS and those of the Call Off Contract.

The provision must be able to meet the objectives established in the Learner’s Education, Health and Care Plan and provided in compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, including timescales, and any requirements of the Regulatory Body.

The following Services are in scope of Phase 1 of this FPS:

(i) Lot 1: Day education placement

(ii) Lot 2: Education with 38 week residential placement

(iii) Lot 3: Education with 52 week residential placement

The specification has been written to cover a range of Education settings across all four service categories as identified in the National Schools and Colleges Contract Service Specification and the SEND Code of Practice (2015):

(i) Sensory and/or physical needs

(ii) Social, emotional and mental health difficulties

(iii) Cognition and Learning

(iv) Communication and interaction

In delivery of these services, the Provider shall operate fully in accordance with all relevant Acts of Parliament, amendment or re-enactment of any Act, Statutory Regulation, and other such laws and statutory guidance, as may affect the provision of education, health and care specified under the Contract.

All services available under this FPS will be available to be called off by the 23 Local Authorities in the North West Region. The aim is to establish a regional FPS which will provide consistent quality standards, streamline processes, improve communication and encourage innovation.