Norfolk County Council last night said that they would continue to fund placements for Year 11 students at Future so they can continue with their qualifications, defending what they described as a 'strong' tendering process.

As a campaign was launched calling for help to ensure the continued existence of Future Education, Alison Thomas, cabinet member for children's services said they wanted to help Future explore its options.

She said: 'We want every child receiving alternative education provision to get the best possible education - this has not changed and every child that needs alternative provision will continue to get it, that has always been our priority. We have awarded this work to a provider who demonstrated to us, and a panel of parents and young people, that they could offer the best outcomes for young people and best value for money for taxpayers.

'We carried out a really strong tendering process and CfBT won the contract.

'They already have strong local presence in Norwich and we are confident they can deliver very good provision to children in Norwich and across the wider county.

'However, we recognise the work Future does and do want to help them to continue as an education provider. That is why we have made several efforts to hold talks with them over the past two weeks, to help them explore what options there may be for the future, outside of our funding.

'We have also made it clear from the outset that we want to continue to fund placements for students entering Year 11 at Future so that they can continue with their qualifications.

'This means funding will continue for at least a year giving Future time to explore future options.'