Published date: 30 January 2026

Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.


Closing: 4 March 2026, 11am

Contract summary

Industry

  • Education and training services - 80000000

  • Health and social work services - 85000000

  • Other community, social and personal services - 98000000

Location of contract

England

Value of contract

£30,000,000

Procurement reference

MANC001-DN805066-42171049

Published date

30 January 2026

Closing date

4 March 2026

Closing time

11am

Contract start date

1 June 2026

Contract end date

27 October 2028

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Restricted procedure (above threshold)

A two-stage procedure, where the first stage is used to select suppliers, who are then invited to bid in the second stage.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

Round 4 - Flexible Purchasing System for Manchester Schools to commission alternative education provision for pupils that Manchester has a statutory or discharged responsibilities for placing in appropriate and compliant alternative provision.
The Flexible Purchasing System has been divided into the following 10 Lots:
Lot 1 - Full-time Alternative Provision - Min of 25 hours per week.
Lot 2 - Part-time Alternative Provision - Sports Science / Health & Wellbeing.
Lot 3 - Part-time Alternative Provision - Sports Coaching/Life Skills.
Lot 4 - Part-time Alternative Provision - Hair and Beauty.
Lot 5 - Part-time Alternative Provision - Construction.
Lot 6 - Part-time Alternative Provision - Creative/Media
Lot 7 - Complementary - Animal Care
Lot 8 - Complementary - Innovation
Lot 9 - One-to-One Tutoring
Lot 10 - Mentoring and coaching

Please note - If you have already been accepted onto the Flexible Purchasing System then you do not need to apply again unless you are applying for an additional Lot.

More information

Additional text

The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including online questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 11am on Wednesday 4th March 2026

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Address

Floor 5 (Mount Street Elevation),
Town Hall Extension, Albert Square
Manchester
M60 2LA
United Kingdom

Email

procurement@manchester.gov.uk

Website

https://www.manchester.gov.uk