Non-School Alternative Provision / Education other then in school or college - Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) and Vocational Framework

Norfolk County Council have developed a new Framework for unregulated alternative provision / education other than in school or college - Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) and Vocational, that will enable a fair and transparent process to manage how we commission and work in partnership with providers. The Framework will secure consistent approaches to safeguarding and sufficient choice for children and young people (CYP).

The contract Value is an estimate, and will depend on usage.

On 19 November 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness made a written statement [UIN HCWS1071] saying that three proposals for unitary local government in Norfolk had been received - these could entail the creation of one, two or three unitary councils.

The Minister announced a consultation exercise, which ended on 11 January 2026. The Minister stated that "once the consultations have concluded, the Government will assess the proposals against the criteria in the invitation and decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposals are to be implemented, with or without modification".

• B.On 4 December 2025, the Secretary of State for Local Government made a written statement [UIN HCWS1128] stating that the government intends to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk as soon as possible, and that it is minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections in May 2028.

Should these processes lead to unitary local government in Norfolk and/or to the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Norfolk (i) the contract may be transferred, assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to the council, or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor and/or to any Mayoral Strategic Authority; and/or (ii) the council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.