SEND and Alternative Provision - Online Information Session for Providers 2026

To all SEND and AP providers not on the NW SEND FPS.

There is a regional purchasing system for the 24 North West local authorities and schools to source places in INMSS, Post 16 settings and Alternative Provision.

The name of the purchasing system is: North West Flexible Purchasing System for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and will be advertised on Proactis (The Chest) under project reference: DN505426

The sessions below are for North West Independent Special Schools, Specialist Post-16 Institutions and Alternative Provision looking to join the North West SEND FPS regional contract. This provides a compliant route for the North West authorities to purchase education places for children and consistency for providers working with multiple authorities.

There will be opportunity to understand the criteria and requirements of providers to be awarded onto the FPS and ask questions.

Providers already listed on the SENDAP FPS need not attend.

Information event: Preparation
7 July 1pm
Information for Independent Schools and Colleges and Alternative Provision who are interested in joining the NW SENDAP purchasing system (SENDAP FPS) in Round 9 in September 2026. The SENDAP FPS provides a route for local authorities and schools to source school, college and Alternative Provision places.
We will cover:
• How to prepare in advance
• Requirements of providers
• Pricing
• Insurance
• Information governance
• Advice on completing the submission
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/23830421-2201-42fb-9035-f304d22bbd69@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644

Information event: Guidance
29 September 1pm
This session will be after the opportunity opens and providers have had chance to review the documents and online form. There will be a recap on the requirements of the tender process and opportunity to answer questions.
We will cover:
• Requirements of providers
• Evidencing criteria are met
• Lots and service requirements
• Advice on completing the submission
• Common pitfalls
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b09a49cf-e244-4a79-9b43-59ccf0655f3a@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644