Published
25013 Flexible Learning Support Framework - Round 2
Notice number: ocds-h6vhtk-06d7bd
KEY INFORMATION
- Submission deadline
- • Dec 30, 2026
- Location
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Contracting authority
- Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Accepted Languages
- English
- Tender type
- Services
- Contract Value
- Published date
- Jul 30, 2026
TENDER DESCRIPTION
This tender seeks providers for a Flexible Learning Support Framework, offering adaptable, outcome-focused education and support for children and young people, including full compliance with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), robust safeguarding, and strict legislative adherence. Providers must demonstrate capability through a Central Digital Platform, a Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan, and sustainable methodologies, ensuring maintained vehicles and specialist equipment. Financially, tenderers require a turnover exceeding double the estimated annual contract value, with financial checks (including credit reports) triggered for advance payments or aggregated spend over £100k. The initial contract term ends March 31, 2029, with an option for a five-year extension until April 31, 2034, following a procurement timetable that re-opens on July 27, 2026, and an initial application window closing on August 24, 2026. The framework will remain open for new applications post the September 14, 2026, onboarding.
TENDER BRIEF
The contract timeline includes an initial period ending on March 31, 2029, which represents a 3-year initial term. There is an option for a 5-year additional extension, pushing the end date to April 31, 2034.
The framework also outlines a procurement timetable with key activities:
- July 27, 2026: Re-opening of the Flexible Learning Support Framework.
- August 24, 2026: Initial application window closes for evaluation and provider validations (the tender remains open).
- August 24, 2026 - September 4, 2026: Period for evaluation and provider verification.
- September 7, 2026: Approval and award.
- September 14, 2026: Onboarding and mobilisation.
- The framework will remain open for new applications, allowing new providers to join, and the call-off stage for further call-offs and mini-competitions will commence.
The actual service provision begins from a "Commencement Date" and continues until the "Contract Period" ends, unless terminated earlier or extended. The Council holds the discretion to extend the Contract Period based on the needs of the CYP. While a specific fixed "Commencement Date" is not universally stated, individual contract start dates are expected to align with their approval timing.
Sources
- 1ITT PARTS A-D Clean Reopening July 2026.docx — “their contract start dates will reflect the timing of their approval. End date of initial period* | 31st March 2029 (3 year initial term) Extension option 1* | 31st April 2034 (5 year additional extension) Timetable The…”
- 2Appendix 4b Draft Call Off Contract.docx — “Period The Supplier shall provide the Services from the Commencement Date until the end of the Contract Period unless the Contract is: terminated sooner in accordance with these Conditions or in accordance with common la…”
- 3Appendix 4a Framework agreement FLSF.docx — “their successors and assignees. Third Party Rights Save as set out in Schedule 3 (TUPE), the Parties do not intend any term of this Contract to be enforceable by any third party nor to confer a benefit on any third party…”
The core scope of work for this tender involves providing flexible and adaptable services in various settings (home, school, community, online) and times (daytime, after-school, holidays) to suit the learner. Services must be delivered safely and securely, incorporating robust safeguarding, lone working, and escalation procedures, with all staff being appropriately trained and DBS-checked. The services are to be outcome-focused, structured around measurable goals, clear progress indicators, and regular review mechanisms.
A significant aspect of the work is the delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), requiring full compliance with specified needs and outcomes, annual reviews, interim monitoring, and the involvement of families, young people, and external professionals.
The contractor's obligations include strict legislative compliance with all current legislation and statutory guidance concerning the safeguarding, welfare, and provision of services for Children and Young People. An Individual Learner Agreement (ILA) must be established for each child or young person at the contract's commencement, maintained throughout its duration, and subjected to mandatory annual reviews. Furthermore, the contractor has a mandatory duty of care for all Children and Young People during sessions and the contract length, and must actively promote equality and access.
The overall scope and scale of services will be further detailed in individual mini-competition service specifications under each relevant Lot, varying by call-off.
Sources
- 1Appendix 4a Framework agreement FLSF.docx — “upon, where appropriate, in collaboration with the child/young person, their family, and all relevant professionals. Flexible and Adaptable: Capable of enabling delivery in different settings (home, school, community, on…”
- 2Appendix 5 Specification FLSF 26.2.26.docx — “review mechanisms. The scope and scale of services to be delivered will vary by call-off and will be fully detailed within individual mini-competition service specifications under each relevant Lot. Delivery of EHCP’s: P…”
Login to view all answers and insights
Unlock tender brief for freeTENDER DOCUMENTS
DIRECTORY • 7 FILES
- ITT Part E Reopening docs July 2026.docx154 KBDOCX
- Appendix 4b Draft Call Off Contract.docx195 KBDOCX
- Appendix 5 Specification FLSF 26.2.26.docx39 KBDOCX
Login to view and download all tender documents
Unlock documents for freeASK AI ABOUT THIS TENDER
Can a foreign company apply?
Yes, foreign companies can apply as long as they meet all the requirements set out in the procurement documents.
Login to ask more questions.
Unlock AI tender chat for freeUnlock your tender workflow
Run your first search, evaluate the results, save a daily monitor and start building a pipeline of tenders worth pursuing.