Scope
Reference
CS27681
Description
Hampshire County Council Children's Services, through the Basingstoke Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Service for Young Children Inclusion Team, is seeking to re-procure an Early Years Specialist Hub Provision for the district of Basingstoke and Deane. This service forms part of the Council's inclusive early years education offer and will include a defined number of reserved places for pre-school children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). In addition, the service will provide outreach support to private, voluntary, and independent early years providers, as outlined in the service specification.
This provision plays a critical role in supporting early years children with complex developmental needs and is aligned with Hampshire's strategic priorities for inclusion and early intervention. The service specification outlines a targeted model of delivery through a specialist nursery hub, focusing on early identification, timely intervention, and multi-agency collaboration. The overarching aim is to reduce the need for statutory intervention by offering preventative support during a pivotal stage in a child's development.
The delivery model incorporates structured support from experienced practitioners, tailored learning environments, and coordinated input from health, education, and social care professionals. Operating within Hampshire's strategic framework, the service is expected to contribute to improved school readiness, reduced inequalities, and better outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. The specification also includes defined performance measures, eligibility criteria, and expectations for partnership working to ensure the service remains impactful, accountable, and responsive to local needs.
The new contract will commence on 1st September 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £992,835 excluding VAT
- £992,835 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2029
- Possible extension to 31 August 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
There are 2 contract extensions, detailed below:
Extension 1
Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month
Value ex VAT: £ 198,567
Extension 2
Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month
Value ex VAT: £ 198,567
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80340000 - Special education services
- 80110000 - Pre-school education services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKJ37 - North Hampshire
Submission
Enquiry deadline
25 February 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
13 March 2026, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
7 April 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality criterion 1 (Lot 0) | Recruitment, Training, Supervision, and Business Continuity |
Quality | 25.00% |
| Quality criterion 2 (Lot 0) | Service Delivery and Management |
Quality | 25.00% |
| Quality criterion 3 (Lot 0) | Flexible and Responsive Service |
Quality | 12.50% |
| Quality criterion 4 (Lot 0) | Accessing and Maximising Early Years Funding |
Quality | 12.50% |
| Quality criterion 5 (Lot 0) | Partnerships |
Quality | 12.50% |
| Quality criterion 6 (Lot 0) | Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Management |
Quality | 12.50% |
Other information
Payment terms
The contracted supplier has confirmed that their organisation has systems in place to include (as a minimum) 30-day payment terms in all their supply chain contracts and require that such terms are passed down through their supply chain.
Description of risks to contract performance
Devolution/LGR
The Government intends to restructure remaining two-tier local authority areas in England into single-tier unitary authorities under Local Government Reform (LGR). This forms part of a wider devolution strategy to streamline governance, reduce expenditure, and enhance accountability. Hampshire, currently operating under a two-tier structure, will be affected. During these contracts, LGR may commence or progress, potentially resulting in changes such as novation of the contracting entity or variations in service volumes. While the scale and timing remain uncertain, suppliers must remain informed and adapt to ensure continuity and smooth transition.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Hampshire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHM-7586-PWLP
High St, The Castle
Winchester
SO23 8UJ
United Kingdom
Email: strategic.procurement@hants.gov.uk
Website: https://www.hants.gov.uk
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government