Scope
Reference
P3443
Description
Birmingham City Council is conducting a Soft Market Testing exercise to explore the potential procurement of Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Services for Birmingham Virtual School (BVS). This is an exploratory exercise to assess market interest, capacity, and viability for future commissioning. Participation is voluntary and will not affect eligibility for future procurement.
Background
Birmingham Virtual School supports the educational progress of Children in Care (CIC), Previously Looked-After Children (PLAC), and Children with a Social Worker (CWSW). The school operates strategically, working with professionals and families to ensure children known to social care receive appropriate educational and emotional support.
Key Principles
• Empowerment: Children and families involved in planning
• Flexibility: Tailored services to individual needs
• Quality & Safety: High standards and safeguarding compliance
• Accountability: Transparent service delivery and financial practices
• Monitoring: Regular evaluation and stakeholder feedback
Key Outcomes
Support should enable young people to:
• manage exam stress and perform confidently
• transition smoothly into new school environments
• and maintain emotional wellbeing and positive educational engagement
Contract Details
Estimated Annual Value: £200,000
Minimum Provider Turnover: £400,000/year
The estimated contract start date is April 2026 for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for a further 1 year
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000 excluding VAT
- £960,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 April 2026 to 12 April 2029
- Possible extension to 13 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people
- 85312320 - Counselling services
Contract locations
- UKG31 - Birmingham
Engagement
Engagement deadline
13 November 2025
Engagement process description
Please register and express an interest to complete the web form questionnaire available on the Council's e-tendering portal 'Intend' www.in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc Deadline for Submission is Noon on Thursday 13th November 2025. All communications must be made via the Council's e-tendering system. Please do not contact Council Officers directly. For technical support: cps@birmingham.gov.uk. All information shared during this SMT will be treated confidentially and used solely to inform future commissioning decisions.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
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