SOL30066 SOL Alternative Provision 2027

Market Engagement Questionnaire - Solihull Council is developing a quality-assured provider framework to supplement existing statutory, commissioned and in-house provision where suitable education or targeted support cannot be secured through current arrangements. The Council wishes to engage with providers and is inviting them to submit an online questionnaire which will help shape future service delivery requirements and tender options.

The proposed lotting structure is being tested through the questionnaire although final scope and details are subject to change:

Lot 1: Registered AP - Education placements delivered by registered AP schools or registered independent schools, including short-stay, transitional and longer pathways where appropriate.

Lot 2: Non-school AP - Primarily educational or re-engagement programmes delivered at a provider-controlled site by organisations that are not registered schools. This may include part-time, supplementary, well-being or activity-based programmes, subject to clear registration boundaries and commissioner oversight.

Lot 3: Vocational AP - Practical, vocational, outdoor, accredited, employability and skills-based education for school-aged pupils, delivered in a school or school-like learning setting such as a college or provider-controlled site, not on ordinary commercial work premises.

Lot 4: Outreach - AP-specific support delivered to a pupil, family or school at a school, home or community location, without creating a provider-site placement. This may include attendance, EBSA, re-engagement and reintegration support.

Lot 5: Medical / Specialist / SEND - Education or AP-specific specialist support where medical, SEND, ASC, communication, sensory or related needs affect access to education. This may include remote, hybrid, graded-return, assessment and stabilisation approaches. Standalone clinical therapy or healthcare is outside scope unless explicitly commissioned as part of an educational package.

Please respond by 4th November 2026.