II.2.1) Title
YP profiles - anonymised
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKH3
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Number of lots yet TBC.
The Council are not mandating precise details of how a provider should support a Child in
Care, instead trusting in the specialisms, knowledge, and expertise of this market. This
output approach allows providers (both fostering and residential) full autonomy and
freedom around their individual model using their bids to detail how they will meet the
individual needs of a Child in Care and the expected outcomes of this contract.
Exact details of Children in Care requiring a placement are individually outlined in each
output specification. These are anonymised referrals of a Young Person who is currently in an
unregistered placement who requires a registered placement.
The Council will consider all registered children’s home placements so long as it is in
accordance with the child or young person’s care plan, the Council are therefore able to
consider solo, dual or group homes.
The Council are not mandating required minimum support hours (unless in accordance with a
DoLS order) instead opting to hear from providers about how they best feel they can meet
needs.
Placements for children and young people include those:
With emotional and behavioural difficulties.
With EHCP plans.
With a history of disrupted familial relationships and/or have experienced break down of
placements in foster care or children’s homes.
Who have been at risk of harm.
Who have experienced neglect.
Who have experienced emotional abuse.
Who have an identified or suspected neurodiversity.
Additional children and young people referred if / once the initial placement has ended are
likely to include those aged 10-18 years old with behaviours including but not limited to:
Self-harm, including suicidal thoughts.
Offending
Sexualised behaviours
Fire setting
Absconding
The placement is not required to accommodate children and young people with:
Physical disabilities.
Severe Learning disabilities.
Acute mental health needs who require inpatient treatment.
Clinical / nursing needs.
Severe drug dependency not on a treatment support program.
The provider is to operate within Children’s homes / fostering regulations, Ofsted
requirements, and ensure Regulation 44 visits are in place as applicable.
Criteria For Providing the Provision include that the provider will have a registered children’s
home vacancy or foster care placement which can be offered within the timescales detailed
within the specification. The placement is in Essex or within 20 miles. The provider must
aspire for an Ofsted rating of good or outstanding.
This service specification has been drafted in accordance with the Children’s Homes
(England) Regulations 2015 (“the Regulations”) and accompanying guidance. The provider
must adhere to the quality standards as set out within the Regulations when delivering
children’s residential placements under this provision. These requirements include but are
not limited to the provision of appropriately trained staff.
The service specification has also been drafted in accordance with Children Act 1989,
Guidance and Regulations Volume 4 Fostering Services, the Care Standards Act 2000, the
Adoption and Children Act 2002, the Children Act 2004 and the Children and Young
Persons Act 2008.
Where you think you could deliver the above requirement, please send your expression of
interest to: Annelise.Nicol@essex.gov.uk and Craig.Forster@essex.gov.uk
Essex County Council will be hosting a virtual market engagement event for this opportunity
in the future, date and time are yet to be confirmed. If you wish to attend this event, please send your expression of interest to the above-mentioned contacts.
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 12
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
1 year contracts + 2 further year extensions optional (1+1+1).
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No