Bury Council's Flexible Purchasing System for Alternative Provision

Alternative Provision is recognised as an important element in the education offer for Bury children and young people. Within Bury, Alternative Provision is used to meet statutory requirements and is used in a number of circumstances, including for those at risk of exclusion or who are disengaging from learning, in managing behaviour in schools, improving attendance and supporting the SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs of pupils. Bury Council is seeking to update the range of providers on their established Flexible Purchasing System for Alternative Provision in order to meet its statutory duty as set out by The Government's published guidance; Alternative Provision Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2013). Local Authorities are responsible for arranging suitable full-time education for permanently excluded pupils, and for other pupils who, because of illness or other reasons, would not receive suitable education without such provision. This applies to all children of compulsory school age resident in the Local Authority area, whether or not they are on the roll of a school, and whatever type of school they attend. The flexible purchasing system will be used by Bury Council's SEND Team, Inclusion Service, Home Education Service and Virtual School. In addition, the directory will be made available to all Bury Schools in order for them to select Alternative Provision to meet their student's needs.