Scope
Reference
25013
Description
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (Dudley MBC) is seeking interest about the forthcoming development of a Flexible Learning and Support Services to enhance educational provision and services within the borough.
This preliminary market engagement notice is intended to engage with the market and gather insights from potential providers before the formal procurement process begins. This notice does not constitute a call for competition, and no contracts will be awarded at this stage.
The framework aims to provide high-quality, flexible, and accessible learning opportunities for children, young people, and adults requiring additional support. It will support learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alternative education pathways, Virtual School LAC and post-16 transitions.
The framework will be designed to:
-Ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all learners.
-Strengthen partnerships between educational institutions,
training providers and employers.
-Enhance alternative provision and bespoke education packages
to meet diverse learning needs.
-Improve outcomes for vulnerable learners and those at risk of
exclusion.
-Provide clear pathways into further education, training or
employment.
-Deliver appropriate opportunities in Preparation for Adulthood
Dudley MBC anticipates that the framework will include, but is not limited to, the following service areas:
-Alternative Education Providers (offering personalised and
flexible curriculum pathways).
-Specialist SEND and SEMH Support Services.
-Vocational Training and Skills Development.
-Independent Special Schools and Training Organisations.
-Services to support our Integrated Early Years
-Post-16 Education and Employment Transition Support.
-Tutoring and Mentoring Services. - Including Exam Preparation
-Outdoor/Adventure Learning and specific Interest clubs and
provisions
-Therapeutic Intervention
-Innovative tools to support learning
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2032
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 85310000 - Social work services
Contract locations
- UKG36 - Dudley
Engagement
Engagement deadline
9 June 2025
Engagement process description
Dudley MBC is seeking input from education and training providers, special schools, alternative provision specialists, and other relevant stakeholders to help shape the framework. We would like to hear from providers that offer specialist bespoke services that can support our children and young people. We would like to hear from all types of organisations, and companies that can become part of a wider offer.
Interested organisations are invited to participate in a market engagement event where the council will provide further information about the project, listen to ideas and thoughts from providers, to help us shape future plans. It will be an opportunity to find out what the council are looking for and how you might even be able to offer something different.
Market Engagement Event Details:
- Date: 10.06.2025
- Time: 10.00am - 12.30pm divided into two 1 hour sessions
(10.00am - 11.00am & 11.30am - 12.30pm).
- Location: Online Teams meetings
Organisations interested in participating in the market engagement event and receiving further updates on the framework development should register their interest by contacting: Emma Wilkes - emma.wilkes@dudley.gov.uk by the deadline of 09/06/2025.
This preliminary market engagement notice is for information-gathering purposes only and does not guarantee inclusion in any future procurement process. Dudley MBC reserves the right to amend or withdraw the proposed procurement at any time
Participation or non-participation in the preliminary market engagement notice process shall not prevent any supplier participating in a potential future procurement, nor is it intended that any information supplied as part of the pre-procurement process shall place any supplier at an advantage in a potential procurement process. Participation in the pre-procurement market engagement procurement process will be at each supplier's own cost. No expense in responding to this process will be reimbursed by the Council. This is not a call for competition.
We encourage all interested providers to engage with us to help shape a framework that best meets the needs of learners across Dudley.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWYJ-3537-GLBW
Council House, Priory Road
Dudley
DY1 1HF
United Kingdom
Region: UKG36 - Dudley
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government