Scope
Reference
CN260427
Description
Kent County Council (KCC) is establishing a new Independent and Non‑Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) Open Framework (reference CN260427) to replace the existing NMISS Dynamic Purchasing System when it expires on 31 August 2026. The Framework will support the placement of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) whose needs cannot be met in mainstream or maintained special school settings, ensuring continuity of provision and compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
The Framework will commence on 1 September 2026 for an initial period of 4 years, with potential extensions up to another 4 years, and an estimated maximum total value of £876 million across the full term. It aims to improve outcomes, strengthen quality assurance, enhance pricing transparency, and secure better value for money while ensuring placements remain focused on children with the most complex needs.
Provision under this Framework includes Independent Special Schools (both Section 41 and non‑Section 41) and Non‑Maintained Special Schools. Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and must meet statutory and contractual quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.
The Framework uses a two‑lot structure:
Lot A - Strategic Partners, for Tenderers meeting a higher quality threshold and capable of close strategic collaboration with KCC, including potential consideration for longer‑term arrangements such as block contracting.
Lot B - Approved Providers, meeting the standard quality threshold.
The procurement will be conducted via a Competitive Flexible Procedure, comprising a Conditions of Participation Stage followed by an Invitation to Tender for shortlisted providers. Quality evaluation thresholds will determine allocation to Lots.
For full details, all suppliers must access the opportunity through the Kent Business Portal and download the complete document pack: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £876,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,051,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030
- Possible extension to 31 August 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
A possibility for four possible contract extension of up to 4 year(s) (12 months each)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80100000 - Primary education services
- 80200000 - Secondary education services
Contract locations
- UKJ4 - Kent
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 1
Lot A (was 1). Strategic Partners
Description
Tenderers achieving a high-quality threshold, expected to deliver consistently excellent outcomes and engage in strategic collaboration with the Council. This may include opportunities for longer term arrangements such as block contracting where appropriate.
Lot value (estimated)
- £876,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,051,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot B. Approved Providers
Description
Tenderers meeting a moderate quality threshold offering suitable provision with potential for development and improvement.
Lot value (estimated)
- £876,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,051,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
31 August 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Please see Pricing Guidance in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) pack and the Call-Off Process as described in the Open Framework Agreement Pack.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot A (was 1). Strategic Partners
Lot B. Approved Providers
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
13 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
20 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/
To respond to this opportunity, please use the access code: D2SK4KN582 or use the following link: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/D2SK4KN582
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
23 June 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Specialist School | Quality |
| Curriculum | Quality |
| Attendance/Placement Stability | Quality |
| Outcomes | Quality |
| Governance | Quality |
| Safeguarding Compliance & Behaviour Management | Quality |
| Environmental/Social Value | Quality |
Weighting description
We have a minimum quality threshold for each Lot. All bidders who meet this threshold (and pass all due diligence checks) may be awarded a place on the Open Framework.
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
The procurement process the Council is undertaking to procure the required services is a Competitive Flexible Procedure, as permitted under Section 20 of the Procurement Act 2023. the Council may hereon refer to this planned Competitive Flexible Procedure as a 'Traditional Negotiated' Procedure.
The process will consist of multiple stages as follow:
1. Conditions of Participation Stage
2. Invitation to Tender (ITT) - Tender Questionnaire
3. Site Visits
4. Optional Negotiation Stage
5. Contract Award (including verification of Self-Certifications)
Please see the Invitation to Conditions of Participation Stage document for further details.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/
https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/D2SK4KN582
Contracting authority
Kent County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDL-8938-YGYW
County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
United Kingdom
Email: sourcingsupportteam@kent.gov.uk
Website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/
Region: UKJ45 - Mid Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government