Framework for Specialist Education and Support Services for Children and Young People in Lancashire with SEND

LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 6 releases in its history.

Planning

20 Jul 2026 at 11:49

PlanningUpdate

26 May 2026 at 08:03

Planning

26 May 2026 at 07:47

Planning

13 Mar 2026 at 10:19

PlanningUpdate

11 Feb 2026 at 09:43

Planning

22 Jan 2026 at 15:26

Summary of the contracting process

Lancashire County Council is in the planning stages of a procurement process for a framework titled "Framework for Specialist Education and Support Services for Children and Young People in Lancashire with SEND" set to operate from 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2033. The initiative addresses the growing demand for specialist education provision within Lancashire, UKD4 region, with a particular focus on children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This procurement falls under the services category, specifically targeting special education (CPV code 80340000). A market engagement questionnaire is open for input, closing on 7th August 2026, to gather insights to shape future commissioning arrangements. The process follows a framework agreement under the light-touch regime, indicating a flexible procurement method suitable for a variety of service providers.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in educational and support services for SEND, particularly SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE). The framework aims to develop integrated solutions involving various stakeholders to optimise service delivery for Lancashire's SEND population. Businesses with expertise in educational services, health, and social work (CPV code 85000000) could greatly benefit from participating in this long-term contract, valued at up to £1.4 billion GBP, providing a substantial avenue for business growth and development through collaboration with a sub-central government authority.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Framework for Specialist Education and Support Services for Children and Young People in Lancashire with SEND

Notice Description

Demand for specialist provision across Lancashire continues to grow and Lancashire County Council (the Council). As of the end of June, the Council had 437 children and young people awaiting a specialist placement and 1,882 open assessments. The Council is seeking your input through an online questionnaire to support the development of our future SEND commissioning arrangements and the new Lancashire Framework. With the Framework anticipated to remain in place for up to 10 years, we are keen to ensure it is shaped by the expertise and insights of providers, helping to create arrangements that work effectively for providers, the Council, and Lancashire's children and young people. Your insights and expertise will be invaluable in helping us create an approach that meets the needs of Lancashire's children and young people while reflecting the realities of service delivery. This is an opportunity to contribute to future commissioning activity and ensure the provider perspective is considered as arrangements are developed. By taking part, you will help us build a framework that works effectively for providers and the children and young people they support.

Planning Information

The questionnaire can be found on our tendering opportunities page: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and-procurement/tenders/ This questionnaire will close at 12 midday on Friday 7th August 2026. We appreciate you taking the time to complete the questionnaire and for sharing your valuable insights.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060c83
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/068209-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80340000 - Special education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,400,000,000 £1B-£10B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

SOCIAL VALUE PORTAL LTD

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PRESTON
Postcode
PR1 0LD
Post Town
Preston
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
TLD4 Lancashire

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Vauxhall
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

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