Tender

CWC25011 - Independent Specialist Education Provision Light Touch Framework

WOLVERHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

01 Dec 2025 at 13:25

Tender

04 Nov 2025 at 16:39

Planning

13 Jun 2025 at 14:48

Summary of the contracting process

Wolverhampton City Council is currently in the tender stage of procuring an Independent Specialist Education Provision Light Touch Framework. The framework aims to provide services for children and young people with special educational needs, aged between 5 and 25 years. This procurement, under the industry category of Health and Social Work Services, is structured into four lots that cover different education phases including primary, secondary, post-16, and post-19 education. The procurement process follows an open procedure and is set to conclude the tender period by 4th December 2025, with an anticipated award date by 16th February 2026. This opportunity is based in Wolverhampton, UK, and the contract start date is scheduled for 1st April 2026, running until 31st March 2031, with potential extensions up to 2033.

This tender presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly for businesses specializing in special education services. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly well-suited to this procurement due to the framework’s emphasis on quality, social value, and inclusion. With a total estimated value of approximately £89,996,538, this framework can offer substantial business potential for providers capable of delivering quality educational provisions that meet the rigorous standards and criteria outlined by the Council. Engaging in this long-term contract could enhance business portfolios and expand service offerings, aligning with market needs for specialised educational services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

CWC25011 - Independent Specialist Education Provision Light Touch Framework

Notice Description

The City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking to commission a range of Independent Specialist Education Providers who will meet the needs of our children and young people whilst promoting choice in the local market and delivering best value for money. Provision under this Independent Specialist Education Providers (ISEP) Light Touch Framework will be for children and young people with a range of special educational needs between the ages of 5-25 with an EHCP as set out in the SEND Code of Practice 2015. The tender will be separated into 4 Lots: Lot 1: Primary phase - ages 5 - 11 national curriculum years 1 - 6 Lot 2: Secondary phase - ages 11- 16 national curriculum years 7 - 11 Lot 3: Post-16 phase - ages 16 - 19 Lot 4: Post-19 phase - age 19+ Due to procurement legislation, all maintained (publicly owned) schools do not need to apply for the framework as the authority can contract with them outside of the framework.

Lot Information

Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements

Lot 1: Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 5-11, National Curriculum Years 1-6 - this could include reception year)

Renewal: There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years).

Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements

Lot 2: Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 11-16, National Curriculum Years 7-11)

Renewal: There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years).

Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements

Lot 3: Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements

Renewal: There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years).

Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements

Lot 4: Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements

Renewal: There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years).

Planning Information

We are inviting potential providers to attend our online market engagement session on Wednesday 25th June 2025. To sign up for the market engagement event, please complete the form on www.wolverhamptontenders.com. The engagement will take the form of a presentation containing information about our requirements, commissioning intentions and planned procurement process; there will also be an opportunity to ask questions via the attendance form which will be answered once the presentation is completed. We previously undertook a market engagement presentation on Friday 31st January 2025. This also took the form of a presentation and the intention is for the June event to build upon the information provided in the initial market engagement. If you would like further details of this event, please contact ben.woodhull@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0548bf
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078488-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£89,996,538 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£89,996,539 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Dec 20253 days ago
Submission Deadline
4 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
25 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
2032-10-01

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WOLVERHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Mr Ben Woodhull
Contact Email
corporate.procurement@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1902556556

Buyer Location

Locality
WOLVERHAMPTON
Postcode
WV1 1SH
Post Town
Wolverhampton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG39 Wolverhampton
Delivery Location
TLG39 Wolverhampton

Local Authority
Wolverhampton
Electoral Ward
St Peters
Westminster Constituency
Wolverhampton West

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0548bf-2025-12-01T13:25:45Z",
    "date": "2025-12-01T13:25:45Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0548bf",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVBV-7568-LBLL",
            "name": "Wolverhampton City Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVBV-7568-LBLL"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Civic Centre, St Peter's Square",
                "locality": "Wolverhampton",
                "postalCode": "WV1 1SH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKG39"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Mr Ben Woodhull",
                "email": "corporate.procurement@wolverhampton.gov.uk",
                "telephone": "+44 1902556556"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.wolverhamptontenders.com",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PVBV-7568-LBLL",
        "name": "Wolverhampton City Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "We are inviting potential providers to attend our online market engagement session on Wednesday 25th June 2025. To sign up for the market engagement event, please complete the form on www.wolverhamptontenders.com. The engagement will take the form of a presentation containing information about our requirements, commissioning intentions and planned procurement process; there will also be an opportunity to ask questions via the attendance form which will be answered once the presentation is completed. We previously undertook a market engagement presentation on Friday 31st January 2025. This also took the form of a presentation and the intention is for the June event to build upon the information provided in the initial market engagement. If you would like further details of this event, please contact ben.woodhull@wolverhampton.gov.uk",
                "dueDate": "2025-06-25T23:59:59Z",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "032365-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032365-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-06-13T15:48:16+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "CWC25011",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "CWC25011 - Independent Specialist Education Provision Light Touch Framework",
        "description": "The City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking to commission a range of Independent Specialist Education Providers who will meet the needs of our children and young people whilst promoting choice in the local market and delivering best value for money. Provision under this Independent Specialist Education Providers (ISEP) Light Touch Framework will be for children and young people with a range of special educational needs between the ages of 5-25 with an EHCP as set out in the SEND Code of Practice 2015. The tender will be separated into 4 Lots: Lot 1: Primary phase - ages 5 - 11 national curriculum years 1 - 6 Lot 2: Secondary phase - ages 11- 16 national curriculum years 7 - 11 Lot 3: Post-16 phase - ages 16 - 19 Lot 4: Post-19 phase - age 19+ Due to procurement legislation, all maintained (publicly owned) schools do not need to apply for the framework as the authority can contract with them outside of the framework.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "GB-PPON-PVBV-7568-LBLL",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "GB-PPON-PVBV-7568-LBLL",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG39",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "4"
            }
        ],
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "GB-PPON-PVBV-7568-LBLL",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "active",
                "identifiers": [
                    {
                        "id": "1"
                    }
                ],
                "title": "Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements",
                "description": "Lot 1: Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 5-11, National Curriculum Years 1-6 - this could include reception year)",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 30133619,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years)."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements",
                "description": "Lot 2: Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 11-16, National Curriculum Years 7-11)",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 45200428,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years)."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements",
                "description": "Lot 3: Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 10263744,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years)."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "title": "Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements",
                "description": "Lot 4: Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 4398748,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 85,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 10,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There will be 2 optional extensions of 1 year each (total of 2 years)."
                }
            }
        ],
        "status": "active",
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 89996538,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "Framework prices will be submitted by providers when bidding onto the framework. The call-off process is stipulated in the specification document included within the tender pack."
            }
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "www.wolverhamptontenders.com",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-12-04T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-16T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "071027-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071027-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-04T16:39:34Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "078488-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078488-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-01T13:25:45Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2032-10-01T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                {
                    "startDate": "2032-10-01T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            ]
        },
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "078488-2025",
                "description": "Tender deadline extended to 17:00 Thursday 4th December 2025."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}