Section 19 Alternative Education Provision

Bolton Council is seeking qualified providers to deliver Section 19 alternative education provision under the Education Act 1996. This service supports children and young people of compulsory school age who cannot access mainstream education, including permanently excluded pupils and those unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances. The council requires providers to deliver suitable education to ensure all eligible young people receive appropriate schooling. Two procurement processes are planned: 1. Initial 1-year contract for Academic Year 2027-2028: Providers must be operational by November 2026 to enable submission of high needs place numbers to the Department for Education (DfE) by the December 5th deadline. 2. Follow-on 3-year contract from 2028-2031 with optional extensions: This longer-term arrangement allows for stability and planned expansion of provision. Bolton Council determines annual high needs place requirements and submits verified figures to the DfE by December 5th for the following academic year. Final place numbers are published in February, enabling schools and colleges to receive appropriate core funding for commissioned special provision. The council anticipates running an open tender process. Prospective providers should demonstrate capacity to meet statutory duties, deliver quality alternative education, and comply with DfE reporting requirements.