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 has an established Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) in order to meet Bury’s statutory duty to arrange 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. We are now looking to approve additional providers to be included on the FPS. The Flexible Purchasing System is used by Bury Council’s Special Educational Needs & Assessment (SEN) Team, the Virtual School, Inclusion Team and other services working with children and young people, and referrals will come from these teams. If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity please click on the ‘Login and register interest in this opportunity’ button. Once you have registered your interest you will be able to access the FPS documentation. The closing time for completed applications for inclusion on Bury Council’s FPS, via The Chest, is 12 noon on Friday 7th August 2020.