Official UK procurement notice
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework
Authority: Department for Education (Central government)
What is being bought5 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThe Department for Education (DfE) is procuring a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework to support the Government's investment in workforce development and SEND reform across the education sector. The Framework will establish a route to market for the development and delivery of high-quality SEND and inclusion CPD services for education professionals and support future requirements during the Framework term.
The Framework will be divided into the following Sub-Lots:
- Sub-Lot 1.1 School Teachers and Leaders (£40m)
- Sub-Lot 1.2 Further Education Teachers and Leaders (£23m)
- Sub-Lot 1.3 Teaching Assistants (£35m)
- Sub-Lot 1.4 Further Education Support Staff (£17m)
- Sub-Lot 1.5 Combined Audiences (£235m)
The Framework will support the procurement of a range of SEND and inclusion CPD services, including research, content development, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, digital learning solutions, participant recruitment and training delivery. The Department may commission services through future competitions conducted in accordance with the Framework Agreement.
DfE is also procuring up to seven standalone contracts, each with an initial term of two years and the option to extend for up to a further two years (1+1 years), covering the following audiences:
- Lot 2: School and Further Education Teachers and Leaders – up to five contracts will be awarded under this Lot, with an estimated initial term value of £165,500,000 and an estimated maximum extension value of £346,000,000.
- Lot 3: Teaching Assistants – one contract will be awarded under this Lot, with an estimated initial term value of £35,000,000 and an estimated maximum extension value of £70,000,000.
- Lot 4: Further Education Support Staff – one contract will be awarded under this Lot, with an estimated initial term value of £6,950,000 and an estimated maximum extension value of £14,540,000.
The estimated total Framework value is £781 million (inclusive of VAT) over the maximum Framework term and includes both the initial requirements (estimated at £430,540,000) and any future opportunities awarded under the Framework (£350,000,000). This value is an estimate only and does not constitute a commitment to spend.
The contract dates in this notice relate to the Framework term. Individual contracts awarded under Lots 2-4 will be subject to their own contract terms.
- How the procedure runs: Competitive flexible procedure description The Department for Education is conducting this procurement using a Competitive Flexible Procedure pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch Regime. This procurement will be undertaken in two stages. __________________________________________________________________ Stage 1: Framework and Sub-Lot Appointment Stage 1 relates to the establishment of the SEND CPD and Inclusion Framework (Lot 1) and appointment of suppliers to one or more Framework Sub-Lots. The Framework comprises the following Sub-Lots: • Sub-Lot 1.1 School Teachers and Leaders • Sub-Lot 1.2 Further Education Teachers and Leaders • Sub-Lot 1.3 Teaching Assistants • Sub-Lot 1.4 Further Education Support Staff • Sub-Lot 1.5 (Combined Audiences) To be appointed to Lot 1 of the SEND and Inclusion CPD Framework, a Potential Supplier must: a) pass the PSQ and CoP requirements; b) meet the applicable Economic and Financial Standing requirements; c) achieve the Minimum Threshold for all Mandatory Framework Questions (Q1-Q4); d) achieve the Minimum Threshold for at least one Sub-Lot Question (Q7-Q10); and e) satisfy any other mandatory requirements set out in the Procurement Documents. Potential Suppliers will only be approved to deliver those services for which they have satisfied the applicable assessment requirements. There is no limitation on the number of suppliers that may be appointed to the Framework and relevant Sub-Lot(s), provided they satisfy the published requirements. __________________________________________________________________ Stage 2: Initial Contract Competitions Following completion of Stage 1, suppliers successfully appointed to the Framework will be invited to participate in Stage 2 competitions for the Authority's initial SEND CPD requirements. Stage 2 will comprise the following contracts: • Lot 2: School and Further Education Teachers and Leaders • Lot 3: Teaching Assistants • Lot 4: Further Education Support Staff Only suppliers awarded to the relevant Framework Sub-Lot(s) during Stage 1 will be eligible to participate in the corresponding Stage 2 competition. Detailed Stage 2 procurement documents, specifications, award criteria and evaluation methodology will be issued only to eligible Framework suppliers at the commencement of Stage 2. Stage 2 evaluations are expected to include: • Verification of eligibility to bid for the relevant contract lot; • Quality assessment; • Commercial assessment; and • Determination of the Most Advantageous Tender in accordance with the published criteria. Contracts awarded under Lots 2, 3 and 4 are contracts awarded through this procurement process and are separate from future call-off competitions conducted under the Framework.
CPV: Education and training services
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework
- Call-offs
- every call-off is a further competition among the appointed suppliers
- Framework period
- 4 yrs · up to 6 yrs from 1 Apr 2027
Published description of the framework
The SEND CPD and Inclusion Framework is a single framework arrangement comprising five Sub-Lots. Suppliers may apply for one or more Sub-Lots. Appointment to the Framework will occur during Stage 1 of the Competitive Flexible Procedure. The Framework will be available for future competitions undertaken by the Department for Education in accordance with the Framework Agreement and associated call-off procedures. Initial contract competitions will be undertaken through Stage 2 of this procurement.
Lots and requirements (5)Procurement structure
5 lots · all with a published valueLot #1School Teachers and LeadersRenewalPublished value£32,000,000
Provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion continuing professional development (CPD) services for school teachers and leaders. Services may include research, design, development, quality assurance, recruitment, digital services and delivery of SEND and inclusion CPD, together with associated support services, in accordance with the Framework Specification.
Lot #2Further Education Teachers and LeadersRenewalPublished value£18,400,000
Provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion continuing professional development (CPD) services for further education teachers and leaders. Services may include research, design, development, quality assurance, recruitment, digital services and delivery of SEND and inclusion CPD, together with associated support services, in accordance with the Framework Specification.
Lot #3School Teaching AssistantsRenewalPublished value£28,000,000
Provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion continuing professional development (CPD) services for school teaching assistants. Services may include research, design, development, quality assurance, recruitment, digital services and delivery of SEND and inclusion CPD, together with associated support services, in accordance with the Framework Specification.
Lot #4Further Education Support StaffRenewalPublished value£13,600,000
Provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion continuing professional development (CPD) services for further education support staff. Services may include research, design, development, quality assurance, recruitment, digital services and delivery of SEND and inclusion CPD, together with associated support services, in accordance with the Framework Specification.
Lot #5Combined AudiencesRenewalPublished value£188,000,000
Enables a single call-off for requirements spanning multiple audience groups. All Framework Suppliers appointed to Sub-Lots 1.1 to 1.4 will also be appointed to Sub-Lot 1.5.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
- “Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: each call-off is a further competition, so the pricing contest starts after appointment.
Competition analysis · published record, not a forecast of who will bid
How Department for Education buys Education and training services (CPV 80), and who usually turns up
Department for Education’s own published record, next to the published market for the same work. This notice is a framework or DPS, so only frameworks and DPS are compared. Whole-market view: Education and training services (CPV 80) →
How the contest usually goes
Winner shares use published awards; bid and price charts use contested lots.
i
How often small and medium firms win.
Share of awards where the winner’s size is known.
The counts under this question show how many awards have a known supplier size.
Small firms have won here. Neither number says whether you qualify; it describes who has been winning.
i
How often local firms win similar work.
Winners with a registered address in the delivery region, out of awards with a known address.
A local branch does not count if the registered address is elsewhere.
No winner locations published for this authority. Local means a registered address in the delivery region.
i
How long buyers here take to decide after bids close.
Middle value in days from the deadline to the first award notice, on competitions that published both dates.
Only decided tenders count, so slow ones still waiting are not in.
Half of these awards were announced within 50 days of the bid deadline.
i
How often work is awarded with no recorded rival.
Direct awards and tenders where every published lot count shows one bid.
Thin markets produce this too; it is not proof of a tailored specification.
Awards are recorded, but published direct routes and bid counts do not establish this buyer’s share.
How many bids did past lots attract?
i
How many bids past lots received.
Each colour is a bid-count range. Only competed lots with a published count are included.
Past bids do not predict this tender.
1 bid0%
2–37%
4–67%
7+87%
How did awards compare with estimates?
i
Where winning prices landed against estimates.
Each colour shows awards below, close to or above the published estimate, one lot at a time.
On a framework or DPS, prices are agreed when work is called off.
Past prices are a guide, not a bid price.
Not comparable on a framework or DPS. The notice sets up a supplier panel and a ceiling value; what the work actually costs is agreed later, on each call-off or mini-competition, and those publish as contract notices of their own. The award-vs-estimate record of this market therefore sits on the call-offs; this page shows it on the contracts, not on the panel that frames them.
Assess each lot i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
Open a lot for its forecast, this buyer’s previous supplier and possible competitors, from published award history, not a bid list
Lot #1School Teachers and LeadersCPV 80000000Published estimate£32m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–310%
4–65%
7+83%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dingley's PromiseWorked for this buyer | Early Years (EY) Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Provision of Phase 1 Materials and Trainingruns to Sept 2027 | — | £2.0m | Similar wording and category |
| The National Association for Special Educational NeedsWorked for this buyer | SEND Universal Servicesnotice published May 2022 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2.9m24 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 11 live · £5.2m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 5% above n=1 | |
| £476k10 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 2 live · £70k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £775k7 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £153k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £4.9m2 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| 4 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £75k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #2Further Education Teachers and LeadersCPV 80000000Published estimate£18m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–314%
4–66%
7+78%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dingley's PromiseWorked for this buyer | Early Years (EY) Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Provision of Phase 1 Materials and Trainingruns to Sept 2027 | — | £2.0m | Similar wording and category |
| The National Association for Special Educational NeedsWorked for this buyer | SEND Universal Servicesnotice published May 2022 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2.9m24 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 11 live · £5.2m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 5% above n=1 | |
| £476k10 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 2 live · £70k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £775k7 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £153k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £4.9m2 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| 4 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £75k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #3School Teaching AssistantsCPV 80000000Published estimate£28m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–310%
4–65%
7+84%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dingley's PromiseWorked for this buyer | Early Years (EY) Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Provision of Phase 1 Materials and Trainingruns to Sept 2027 | — | £2.0m | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
Barnardo'sLarge | £167m83 awards in 36m · last this month | 31 live · £87m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=38 |
| £2.9m24 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 11 live · £5.2m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 5% above n=1 | |
| £476k10 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 2 live · £70k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £775k7 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £153k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £4.9m2 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #4Further Education Support StaffCPV 80000000Published estimate£14m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–317%
4–67%
7+75%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
| Supplier | This buyer’s earlier contract | Lot | Award value | Why listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The National Association for Special Educational NeedsWorked for this buyer | SEND Universal Servicesnotice published May 2022 | — | — | Similar wording and category |
| Dingley's PromiseWorked for this buyer | Early Years (EY) Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Provision of Phase 1 Materials and Trainingruns to Sept 2027 | — | £2.0m | Similar wording and category |
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
Barnardo'sLarge | £167m83 awards in 36m · last this month | 31 live · £87m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=38 |
| £476k10 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 2 live · £70k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £775k7 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £153k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £4.9m2 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | None on file | no comparable pairs | |
| 4 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live · £75k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #5Combined AudiencesCPV 80000000Published estimate£188m
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid2%
2–311%
4–64%
7+83%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2.9m24 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 11 live · £5.2m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 5% above n=1 | |
| £2.8m15 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 11 live · £2.0m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 10 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 5 live · £4.8m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
AsendSME | 5 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 4 live iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
| 1 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 1 live iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
About this data
- Source. Official UK public procurement notices (Find a Tender), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. New notices arrive through the day; the figures are rebuilt nightly.
- Two views, kept apart. The authority’s own track record and the wider market for the same kind of work sit side by side and are never mixed. Where the local picture is too thin, a figure widens to a broader market and says which one it used.
- Forecasts are labelled. The price forecast and its range, possible competitors and the earlier-work matches are our estimates from past awards: not published facts, not win chances and not price advice. Official notices do not say who is bidding.
- Every figure shows what it rests on. Not every notice publishes a bid count, a value or a delivery region, so each figure carries the number of records behind it, and one built on few records is marked as such. The on a figure explains it; the counting rules are in the methodology. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Open admission
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Light touch regime
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 3 Mar 2026, 16:34 GMT
- Last source update
- 5 Oct 2026, 13:30 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 31 Mar 2027
- Authority reference
ITT_4068- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-092751- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-066174Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
Payment terms as stated within the Tender documents.
- How it runs
Competitive flexible procedure description
The Department for Education is conducting this procurement using a Competitive Flexible Procedure pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch Regime.
This procurement will be undertaken in two stages.
__________________________________________________________________
Stage 1: Framework and Sub-Lot Appointment
Stage 1 relates to the establishment of the SEND CPD and Inclusion Framework (Lot 1) and appointment of suppliers to one or more Framework Sub-Lots.
The Framework comprises the following Sub-Lots:
- Sub-Lot 1.1 School Teachers and Leaders
- Sub-Lot 1.2 Further Education Teachers and Leaders
- Sub-Lot 1.3 Teaching Assistants
- Sub-Lot 1.4 Further Education Support Staff
- Sub-Lot 1.5 (Combined Audiences)
To be appointed to Lot 1 of the SEND and Inclusion CPD Framework, a Potential Supplier must:
a) pass the PSQ and CoP requirements;
b) meet the applicable Economic and Financial Standing requirements;
c) achieve the Minimum Threshold for all Mandatory Framework Questions (Q1-Q4);
d) achieve the Minimum Threshold for at least one Sub-Lot Question (Q7-Q10); and
e) satisfy any other mandatory requirements set out in the Procurement Documents.
Potential Suppliers will only be approved to deliver those services for which they have satisfied the applicable assessment requirements.
There is no limitation on the number of suppliers that may be appointed to the Framework and relevant Sub-Lot(s), provided they satisfy the published requirements.
__________________________________________________________________
Stage 2: Initial Contract Competitions
Following completion of Stage 1, suppliers successfully appointed to the Framework will be invited to participate in Stage 2 competitions for the Authority's initial SEND CPD requirements.
Stage 2 will comprise the following contracts:
- Lot 2: School and Further Education Teachers and Leaders
- Lot 3: Teaching Assistants
- Lot 4: Further Education Support Staff
Only suppliers awarded to the relevant Framework Sub-Lot(s) during Stage 1 will be eligible to participate in the corresponding Stage 2 competition.
Detailed Stage 2 procurement documents, specifications, award criteria and evaluation methodology will be issued only to eligible Framework suppliers at the commencement of Stage 2.
Stage 2 evaluations are expected to include:
- Verification of eligibility to bid for the relevant contract lot;
- Quality assessment;
- Commercial assessment; and
- Determination of the Most Advantageous Tender in accordance with the published criteria.
Contracts awarded under Lots 2, 3 and 4 are contracts awarded through this procurement process and are separate from future call-off competitions conducted under the Framework.
How to participate & submission route
Official notice Apply via Jaggaer- Requests to participate (first stage)
- —
- Appointment period ends
- 29 Oct 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 19 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted via the Department for Education eSourcing Portal Jaggaer. If you have not yet registered on the eSourcing Portal, this can be done online at education.app.jaggaer.com ↗ by following the link 'To register click here'.
Link to the Jaggaer opportunity is availalbe here: education.app.jaggaer.com/go/3138047801A0F77ADD68 ↗
Timeline
3 Mar 2026 → 1 Apr 2027 · 9 dates- Planning notice published233 days ago3 Mar 2026, 16:34 GMT
- Market engagement51 days ago1 Sept 2026, 23:59 BST
Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.
www.gov.uk/government/news/200-… ↗
On 16th January 2026, the government announced a £200 million investment in SEND teacher training. This landmark programme will develop and deliver continuing professional development (CPD) available to all education professionals. The CPD will deepen their knowledge of how to adapt their practice and improve inclusion in their educational setting, to better meet the needs of children and young people with SEND within the mainstream educational system.
The package was described as including:
•A package of high-quality training materials to be shared with every school and further education setting to support the delivery of training to all staff on SEND and inclusion.
•New, free CPD courses for teachers and leaders in schools and further education settings.
•Investment in training for teaching and learning support assistants ensuring support staff feel equipped and confident to support learners with SEND.
•A new Early Years CPD programme, providing free, accessible training focused on inclusive practice, child development, and practical strategies for supporting children with SEND – available to all early years practitioners.
The Department for Education (DfE) is commencing market engagement and seeking feedback to inform strategy and broad programme thinking currently in development across early years, schools and colleges. The projects are at various stages in development and have distinct requirements.
This could include:
Content development
Materials production (primarily in relation to national training programmes, but also looking at materials to support schools and colleges to develop in-house professional development)
Course development
Participant recruitment and onboarding
Developing digital platforms / hosting materials
Training facilitation
Policy areas in scope for this exercise are:
Early years (course delivery commencing April 2027)
Schools (materials for in-house professional development delivery launching September 2026; course delivery launching Autumn 2027)
Further education (materials for in-house professional development delivery launching September 2026; course delivery launching Autumn 2027)
Including School Teaching Assistants and FE support staff (course delivery launching Autumn 2027)
We look to consult the market on how the provision could address the following audiences:
Teachers (at all phases)
Leaders (at all phases)
School Teaching Assistants and FE support staff
Early years practitioners
Key commercial objectives of the engagement event are:
Understand market capacity, capability and appetite for each requirement
Obtain feedback on prospective commercial approaches
Interested parties are invited to attend an online market engagement event to be held Tuesday 10th March, to hear further details about this opportunity and share thoughts and questions about the future programme through a feedback questionnaire. Please note, in the interest of fairness, attendance will be limited to 2 people per organisation.
Follow up 1-2-1 interviews may be scheduled at the discretion of the Department, and further information on this will be shared during the event.
DfE may also decide to host further engagement events prior to the launch of a formal tender process. Further details will be provided in due course.
DfE reserve the right to utilise the below referenced SSQ and the suppliers registered to ciruclate additional questionnaires related to some or all of the projects detailed in this notice.
This market engagement notice does not signify the commencement of any competitive process, nor does it constitute a commitment to any future procurement activity.
To participate in this Market Engagement, participants must first be registered on the Department for Education eSourcing Portal Jaggaer. If you have not yet registered on the eSourcing Portal, this can be done online at education.app.jaggaer.com ↗ by following the link 'To register click here'.
Navigate to ssq_762 and express your interest.
For technical assistance on use of the eSourcing Portal, please contact the Jaggaer Supplier Helpdesk at [email protected] or 0800 069 8630 (0800 - 1800hrs).
If you are unable to attend the market engagement event, the slides and Q&A outcomes will be made available to you, provided you have registered your interest on Jaggaer prior to the event.
All communication should be via the Jaggaer platform.
- Next notice expected44 days ago8 Sept 2026, 23:59 BST
- Tender notice published21 days ago1 Oct 2026, 11:27 BST
- Latest notice published17 days ago5 Oct 2026, 13:30 BST
- Clarification questions by3 days ago19 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST
- Today22 Oct 2026
- Admission / appointment period endsin 7 days · period end, not a bid countdown29 Oct 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected byin 160 days31 Mar 2027, 23:59 BST
- Contract startsin 160 days1 Apr 2027, 00:00 BST
Notice history
12 events · 6 releases on Find a Tender · since 3 Mar 2026- Preliminary market engagement notice published3 Mar 2026, 16:34 GMTUK2
- Preliminary market engagement notice published23 Apr 2026, 16:28 BSTUK2
- Pipeline notice published18 Aug 2026, 16:29 BSTUK1
- Published value published: £640,000,00018 Aug 2026, 16:29 BST
- Status changed to planned18 Aug 2026, 16:29 BST
- Tender notice published1 Oct 2026, 11:27 BSTUK4
- Published value updated to £624,800,0001 Oct 2026, 11:27 BSTwas £640,000,000
- Status changed to active1 Oct 2026, 11:27 BST
- Procurement method changed1 Oct 2026, 11:27 BST
- Deadline published: 29 Oct 2026, 12:00 GMT1 Oct 2026, 11:27 BST
- Tender notice published1 Oct 2026, 13:45 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published5 Oct 2026, 13:30 BSTUK4
Published amendments (2)
The Department for Education have amended this notice to allow for additional questionnaires to assist in market research and policy development with the providers registered with the SSQ, updated SSQ number and extended market engagement end date.
Delivery regions has been amended to England Department email address and enquiry date also updated
Routine re-releases (6)
- 2026-08: 1 release · 18 Aug 2026
- 2026-04: 1 release · 23 Apr 2026
- 2026-03: 1 release · 3 Mar 2026
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Nothing awarded yet- Awards (0)
- No award published
- Contracts (0)
- No contract published
- Bid statistics
- No aggregate bid statistics published
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (6)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Pipeline notice Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender