This public procurement record has 6 releases in its history.

Award

24 Apr 2026 at 12:26

Award

13 Mar 2026 at 16:52

TenderUpdate

10 Dec 2025 at 11:28

Tender

10 Nov 2025 at 17:03

PlanningUpdate

04 Jun 2025 at 16:19

Planning

30 Apr 2025 at 12:31

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the supply of early years and curriculum product ranges, initiated by Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO, has reached the award stage as of 26th April 2026, with contracts signed on 30th March 2026. This framework agreement covers various lots, including curriculum product ranges and early learning product ranges, with a total estimated value of up to £24,000,000. The products, categorised under educational goods, toys, printed books, and more, will be delivered either to ESPO's distribution centre in Leicester, UK, or directly to customer premises. The open procedure was followed in line with the UK Public Authority guidelines, allowing for substantial participation from both SMEs and large organisations. Extensions are possible post-2027, contingent on market needs and performance evaluations.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for suppliers specialising in educational equipment, printed books, toys, and related products. SMEs across the UK, as well as international suppliers with expertise in the mentioned categories, would find this framework beneficial for expanding their reach within the education sector. Companies with a robust supply chain that can meet the delivery requirements to Leicester or directly to customers across the UK are well-positioned to compete. Moreover, the option for call-offs without or with competition provides flexibility for suppliers to secure business based on ESPO's specific requirements throughout the framework period.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

991_26 Supply of Early Years and Curriculum Product Ranges

Notice Description

ESPO catalogue framework encompassing the supply of early learning and curriculum product ranges, with goods to be delivered either to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises. The Framework is divided into 9 lots.

Lot Information

Supply of Curriculum Product Ranges

Supply of curriculum product ranges which includes the following subject areas: Special Educational Needs English Modern Foreign Languages Maths Science Design & Technology Humanities Computing For delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Supply of Early Learning Product Ranges

Supply of early learning product ranges which includes: Sensory products Construction Games & Puzzles Imaginative Play Drama & Role Play Sand, Water & Messy Play Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills Physical Development: Fine Motor Skills Early Music Loose Parts Play Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) For delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Baby and Toddler Essential Resources

Supply of essential baby and Toddler related goods for delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Outdoor Early Years Furniture and Support Products

Supply of outdoor early years furniture and support products, which includes: Role and Imaginative Play Furniture, Dens and Houses, Messy, Discovery, Sand and Water and Creative play Building Blocks and Construction Products Outdoor Teaching and Learning Spaces and Places Outdoor Storage: Early Years For delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Classroom Reward Products

Supply of classroom reward products for delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Bikes, Trikes and Ride On Vehicles

Supply of bikes, trikes and ride on vehicles suitable for children and for delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Educational Mini White Board Ranges

Supply of educational lap whiteboards and small freestanding whiteboards / easels. For delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

General Supplementary Curriculum Resources

Supply of supplementary curriculum resources for delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Children's Aprons and Outdoor Clothing

Supply of children's aprons and outdoor clothing for delivery to the ESPO distribution centre, Leicester, and for delivery direct to individual customer premises. For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove to the products listed within the Pricing Schedule throughout the lifetime of the Framework so long as they are in line with the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2027), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 36 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Planning Information

The purpose of the Preliminary market engagement (PME) is to cover a range of topics designed to best explore our requirements in a possible future procurement. These topics may include: 1. develop ESPO's requirements and approach to the procurement 2. help better identify suitable suppliers in the market and their supply chains 3. understand products/service offerings from suppliers and the marketplace in general Engagement with suppliers is anticipated to be a mix of methods, including Requests for Information (RFI) and meetings (both virtual and/or in-person). Visits to supplier's premises may also be used where deemed to be of particular use. For the purposes of this Preliminary market engagement (PME), please express your interest as follows: (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '991_26' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest. Please access the Messages area/section of the eProcurement Portal (ProContract / EastMidsTenders - Messages can be accessed via the Activity dashboard once an Expression of interest has been completed) for any further communications on this preliminary market engagement, including the RFI documentation - optional responses are required by 12/05/2025. In the case of any questions or clarifications relating to this PME, these should also be submitted to ESPO as a Message on the eProcurement Portal (again once an Expression of interest has been completed). Notwithstanding the above process, as this procurement exercise is a renewal of an existing ESPO framework, ESPO reserves the right to engage with some, all or none of the incumbent suppliers appointed to the existing framework, alongside any additional suppliers identified following the above expression of interest and/or RFI exercise. Suppliers should note that this is a preliminary market engagement exercise (and NOT a competitive tender process at this stage). The participation of a supplier in this preliminary market engagement will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and ESPO. A supplier's participation, or lack of participation, in this preliminary market engagement shall not impact the ability of the supplier to participate in any resulting tender exercise. Suppliers should note that any interest indicated does not constitute a commitment to participate in any future tendering exercise.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050a1a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037555-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

14 - Mining, basic metals and related products

18 - Clothing, footwear, luggage articles and accessories

22 - Printed matter and related products

30 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

37 - Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories

39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products


CPV Codes

14211000 - Sand

18000000 - Clothing, footwear, luggage articles and accessories

22110000 - Printed books

22114300 - Maps

22459100 - Advertising stickers and strips

30192153 - Phrase stamps

30192800 - Self-adhesive labels

30195000 - Boards

30199400 - Gummed or adhesive paper

34430000 - Bicycles

35113430 - Safety vests

35113440 - Reflective vests

37000000 - Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories

37520000 - Toys

37522000 - Wheeled toys

37524000 - Games

37529200 - Riding toys

37535200 - Playground equipment

39142000 - Garden furniture

39160000 - School furniture

39161000 - Kindergarten furniture

39162000 - Educational equipment

39162110 - Teaching supplies

39298600 - Globes

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£24,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£24,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£19,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
£19,000,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Apr 20264 months ago
Submission Deadline
12 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
18 Jul 2025Expired
Award Date
12 Mar 20265 months ago
Contract Period
1 Apr 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEICESTER
Postcode
LE19 1ES
Postcode Area
Leicester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Blaby
Electoral Ward
Enderby
Westminster Constituency
South Leicestershire

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
74
Supplier Names

A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED (t/a Browns Books)

ACTIVE APPAREL GROUP LIMITED (Spotty Otter being part of the the ACTIVE APPAREL GROUP LIMITED)

AMPLE STAR ENTERPRISES UK LIMITED

AUTOPRESS EDUCATION LIMITED

AXON EDUCATION LTD (t/a Working Walls)

BGRP LIMITED

BIGJIGS TOYS LIMITED

BISHOP SPORTS & LEISURE LTD.

CAVENDISH SPORTS LIMITED (t/a Noyna Garments)

CICADA EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENT LIMITED

COLLABORATE & INNOVATE LTD

COMMOTION LIMITED

COMMUNITY PRODUCTS (UK) LIMITED (t/a Community Playthings)

COORDINATION GROUP PUBLICATIONS LTD

CROSSBOW EDUCATION LIMITED

DATA HARVEST GROUP LIMITED

DECATHLON UK LIMITED

DRUMS FOR SCHOOLS LIMITED

EASTPOINT GLOBAL LTD

ED.UK.8 WORLDWIDE LIMITED

EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGE LIMITED

EDX EDUCATION UK LIMITED

EVEQUE LEISURE EQUIPMENT LIMITED

FAMILY PLANNING LTD

FIRST CELTIC TOYS AND LEARNING LTD

FOAMS 4 SPORTS LTD

GAMEZ GALORE LIMITED

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR CLOTHING (GSC) LIMITED

HALFORDS LIMITED

K'NEX UK LIMITED

LANKA KADE (UK) LIMITED

LEARN WELL TRADING LIMITED

LEARNING RESOURCES LIMITED

LIFETIME EDUCATION LIMITED

LITTLE CRAFTERS BOXES LTD

LOGGERHEAD PUBLISHING LTD

Lakeshore Learning Materials, LLC

M.O.E. PRODUCTS LTD (t/a The Ministry of Outdoor Education)

MARNITA LIMITED (t/a Halilit)

MIKE MILLER ASSOCIATES LIMITED (t/a Twoey)

MINILAND S.A.

MORLEYS (BICESTER) LTD

MUDDY PUDDLES LIMITED

NET ZERO WORKWEAR LIMITED

OCTOPUS PUBLISHING GROUP LIMITED

PAUL NORMAN PLASTICS LIMITED

PENTAGON SPORT LIMITED

PLAYLEARN LTD

PLAYMOBIL (U.K.) LIMITED

POLYDRON UK LIMITED

PROFILE EDUCATION LIMITED

RED MONKEY PLAY LIMITED

RHINO SENSORY UK LIMITED

RM EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES LTD (t/a TTS)

RUNVISUAL (UK) LIMITED (t/a CGE World Globes)

Rabo Tricycles A/S

SEJER NATHAN (Éditions Nathan/Nathan Publishing)

SHULPH LIMITED

SMART KIDS (U.K.) LIMITED

SMART TOYS AND GAMES LTD (t/a WOW Toys)

SPACERIGHT EUROPE LIMITED

SPORT & PLAYBASE LIMITED

SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION RESOURCES LTD

St. Majewski Sp. z o.o.

TALKING PRODUCTS LIMITED

TEXET SALES LIMITED

THE MONOGRAM GROUP LIMITED

THE PUPPET COMPANY LIMITED

THREADBEAR DESIGN LTD

TRODAT (UK) LIMITED

VICTORIA GRANT LIMITED

WILDGOOSE EDUCATION LIMITED

WILLOWBROOK (EDUCATION) LIMITED

YELLOW DOOR LIMITED

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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