Scope
Reference
project_10114
Description
This is a notice seeking early market engagement from interested parties for a Department for Education's implementation partner procurement to support local authority delivery of Best Start in Life (BSiL).
We want to secure an implementation partner that can oversee and drive BSiL and Best Start Family Hub transformation and empower local authorities to:
• Lead and drive bold, innovative local system transformation through strong leadership and partnerships, strategically targeting resources, assets, and expertise to maximise impact on early child development and health outcomes.
• Deliver ambitious, high quality BSiL and Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) services that improve early child development outcomes for children and families in their local area.
• Learn from, develop and share best practice to build local authority capability; that enabling effective use of data and digital tools; and a combination of tools, resources, tailored group and 1:1 support to enabe effective use of data and digital tools and address challenges in leadership, partnership working, workforce, and specialist areas including speech and language pathways, health integration, access, SEND and data sharing.
We welcome suggestions on the most effective procurement approach to ensure value for money is achieved.
Total value (estimated)
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2028
- Possible extension to 31 August 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKI - London
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 May 2026
Engagement process description
The Department will be hosting an online event which will take place on Wednesday 4th February 2026.
If you are interested in joining this event, please use the link below to register via Jaggaer (see View Opportunities)
https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html
We intend to share the questions and answers from the events with all potential suppliers.
We may host a further market engagement event following feedback from this event.
Please Note:
- This notice is for early market engagement and exploratory purposes and is not a call for competition.
- The Department for Education reserves the right not to enter any formal processes or agreements.
- Accordingly, the Department for Education will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by a provider in acting based on this notice.
We intend to share the questions and answers from the event with all potential suppliers.
The opportunity is suitable for but not limited to SME's and VCSEs
Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
29 May 2026
Contracting authority
Department for Education
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDZG-3487-DPVD
Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P3BT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government