Northamptonshire Children's Trust: Provision of Independent Fostering Arrangements and Children's Homes for Children and Young People in our Care DPS (Reopening)

Buyer

Northamptonshire Children's Trust

Estimated value

£252m

Location

East Midlands

Deadline

27 November 2026

Published

30 October 2026

Category

Health and social work services

Trade

Health and social care

Suitable for SMEs

Not flagged

View the official notice on Find a Tender

In plain English

Northamptonshire Children's Trust is re-opening a Dynamic Purchasing System to supply independent fostering arrangements and children's homes for looked-after children in the Northamptonshire area. Bidders must apply for specific lots and categories, noting the contract runs until March 2028 with a potential three-year extension and falls under the Light Touch Regime.

Description from the notice

Northamptonshire Children's Trust (hereafter referred to as the "Children's Trust") is re-opening their Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the supply of services in respect of this requirement. This specification covers providing Homes for Children and Young People in Our Care, Independent Fostering Arrangements and Children's Homes. The primary role of Independent Fostering Arrangements and Children's Homes is to provide homes to ensure children in our care have a place that is safe and suitable for their individual needs, where they are supported by people who care for them and about them to achieve their full potential, develop resilience, enjoy good health and wellbeing and develop into adulthood. The Children's Trust previously set up the DPS which commenced on 1st February 2024 with an initial term of 4 years and 2 months (i.e. to 31st March 2028), with an option to extend for up to an additional 3 years (until 31st March 2031). Services will be categorised by the following lots that are described further in the specification: Lot 1: Independent Fostering Agency placements for Children in Care - Category 1.1 - Standard - Category 1.2 - Enhanced - Category 1.3 - Complex Needs - Category 1.4 - Emergency - Category 1.5 - Transition to Family Care from Children's Homes - Category 1.6 - Parent and Child Lot 2: Children's Homes placements for Children in Care - Category 2.1 - Standard Homes - Category 2.2 - Specialist Homes - Category 2.3 - Complex Needs - Category 2.4 - Emergency Potential Providers can apply for one or more Lots and Categories. Please note: this contract originally started on 1st February 2024. The Light Touch Regime (LTR) applies to the Services under this DPS, as per Public Contracts Regulations 2015.