Scope
Reference
P3401 SMT
Description
Birmingham City Council (BCC) is inviting expressions of interest to support commissioners in developing a clearer understanding of the provider landscape. This soft market engagement aims to explore the range of organisations operating in this space and gather insights into their capacity and interest in delivering Enrichment Activities for Birmingham's Children in Care both within the city and in other Local Authorities where children may be placed. This is an exploratory initiative aimed at gauging market interest, capacity, and the viability of a potential future procurement. Participation is entirely voluntary and will not influence your eligibility to engage in any subsequent procurement processes
BCC acts as the corporate parent for the city's Children in Care (CIC) and Birmingham Virtual School (BVS) is a statutory service responsible for coordinating educational support for:
• Children currently in care,
• Previously looked-after children (PLAC),
• Children with a social worker (CWSW), including those on child in need or child protection plans.
• This duty applies to children living both within Birmingham and in other Local Authorities where they may be placed.
BCC is considering the establishment of an Enrichment Framework for Birmingham Virtual School (BVS), aimed at supporting the delivery of enrichment activities that enhance the educational experience of looked-after children. The goal is to improve outcomes in achievement, inclusion, and progression by addressing their individual needs holistically. Services under the Enrichment Framework have been grouped into three as follows.
• Lot 1 - Careers and Employment Support:
Support for access to education, training and employment.
• Lot 2 - Short Courses and Qualifications:
Access to additional qualifications and accredited courses for all with a particular focus on young people at risk of leaving school without qualifications such as NEET, newly arrived unaccompanied asylum seekers. Supporting young people on to higher education and future careers. To support language barriers for those without English as a first language
• Lot 3 - Community Enrichment Activities:
Access to activities that expose young people to a range of cultural activities including, but not limited to, music, arts, theatre, dance, sport, outdoor learning and visits to destinations outside of their own town/city.
Providers can bid for multiple lots.
The Enrichment Framework will be for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years (on a 1+1 basis) subject to performance, budgetary availability and legislative changes. Activities, courses and programmes are estimated to begin from April 2026.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £2,100,000 excluding VAT
- £2,520,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 April 2026 to 12 April 2028
- Possible extension to 13 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 80200000 - Secondary education services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 85312320 - Counselling services
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
- 92300000 - Entertainment services
Contract locations
- UKG31 - Birmingham
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 November 2025
Engagement process description
The Soft Market Test (SMT) exercise is being issued via the Council's e-tendering system, In-tend, with a link to an MS Forms questionnaire. Interested organisations are requested to complete and submit the questionnaire using the link:
Closing date for completion of questionnaire is Noon 24 November 2025.
Responses from the questionnaire will only be made available to the Virtual School. All information shared during this SMT will be treated confidentially and used solely to inform future commissioning decisions.
The 'In-tend' system is secure and free to use for organisations. If you have any questions on how to use this website, please contact cps@birmingham.gov.uk
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
15 December 2025
Contracting authority
Birmingham City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCJJ-4826-QMLZ
Council House, 1 Victoria Square
Birmingham
B1 1BB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Commercial and Procurement Services
Email: etendering@birmingham.gov.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government