UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The purpose of this preliminary market engagement notice is to inform the market of a forthcoming supplier engagement event regarding future support for schools and colleges to deliver careers education, information, advice and guidance for young people in England. The Department for Education (DfE) will be undertaking an online market engagement event via MS Teams at 13:30 on 4 June 2026 for interested parties. The event is anticipated to last for a duration of 120 minutes. The slide deck will be published on Jaggaer (ssq_747) following the event. If you wish to attend the market engagement event, please use the link below: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/37330634720732?p=0wulXBBrLzFePLzSOX We last carried out supplier engagement regarding future support for schools and colleges to deliver careers education, information, advice and guidance on 31 March 2026. In this event we shared our broad plans for how we want to continue to support schools and colleges to improve careers guidance from the 2027/28 academic year and to support partnership working with strategic and local authorities through careers hubs. We used a supplier survey to test bidder appetite and delivery viability with potential suppliers. The purpose of the follow up supplier engagement webinar on 4 June is to: • Respond to insights and questions gathered in the survey we issued after the supplier engagement event on 31 March, including providing further detail on proposed requirements. • Outline and test a draft service specification and outline Key Performance Indicators and seek supplier views to inform these. This Notice is not a binding statement of intent or a call for competition. It does not signify the commencement of any competitive process and does not constitute any commitment by the DfE. If DfE decides to commence any competitive process(es) as contemplated by this notice, a separate notice(s) will be published at the relevant time. The information contained in this notice, including information relating to the nature and scope of the authority's requirements, and the service classification of this requirement from the list of CPV codes, is only indicative of the authority's current thinking, and is neither exhaustive nor binding and the DfE reserves the right at its absolute discretion to amend this notice at the time of issue or at any other time. The DfE will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work or effort incurred by a provider in acting on the basis of this notice. Any funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity. The current funding estimates are between £90m and £180m for a 3-5 year contract, plus a mobilisation period of up to 6 months if required.

This is a notice seeking early engagement from interested parties in relation to the Department for Education Fosterline Service Please note that all references to procedure, value and term length are purely illustrative and subject to change. The event will describe the existing set of national Fosterline services offering free, independent advice to current and prospective foster carers and the proposed service moving forward The current service offers individualised services for current or prospective foster carers requiring help with ongoing issues or detailed tax and benefits advice. The services aim to support foster families to stay together during times of crisis, reducing placement breakdown, and avoiding costs associated with this. The service is currently composed of a helpline service, website and webchat function. Please note that this notice is for early market engagement and exploratory purposes and is not a call for competition hence the £0 value indicated at this point. The Department reserves the right not to enter any formal processes or agreements. Accordingly, the authority will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by a provider in acting based on this notice.

Keeping children and young people with allergies safe while in school is a key priority for the Government. Section 34 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 (www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2026/21/section/34/enacted) places new allergy safety duties on schools. We have published new statutory guidance on Allergy safety in schools (www.gov.uk/government/publications/allergy-safety-in-schools). Currently under the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017, schools in England are permitted to purchase “spare” adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) without a prescription for emergency use in cases of anaphylaxis. The Government intends to require all schools to stock “spare” AAIs. Further education (FE) colleges and other post‑16 institutions are not included in this exemption. Any extension would require regulatory change, which has not yet been implemented. Suppliers should therefore continue to operate in line with the current legal framework. This early engagement supports the Department for Education’s (DfE) preparatory work ahead of new statutory guidance, with the aim of ensuring schools can access “spare” adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) quickly, reliably and affordably to support pupil safety. The Department is therefore initiating early market engagement with organisations that supply AAIs, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and other authorised suppliers, to better understand the current market landscape and the options available to support schools in accessing “spare” AAIs. This engagement will inform consideration of a potential working sponsorship approach, through which the provider market may develop voluntary commercial offers directly to schools in return for a rights package. The intention is to support improved affordability, simplify access, and enhance reliability of supply, while maintaining schools’ independence in purchasing decisions. To inform this approach, the Department is seeking insight into existing routes to market through which schools purchase AAIs, as well as the practical and operational considerations faced by suppliers, delivery models, and any relevant regulatory factors. This includes understanding potential risks or constraints associated with scaling supply at a national level. The Department intends to hold a market engagement webinar via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 11 August at 11:30 – 12:00 to provide further context on this initiative. Following this webinar, the Department intends to hold 1-to-1 discussions with interested organisations, to support a more detailed exploration of market capability and gather more detailed insight. To register your interest in attending this event and/or the 121 discussions, please email [email protected] before 12:00 on Monday 10 August. Please note that this notice is for early market engagement and exploratory purposes and is not a call for competition. The Department reserves the right not to enter any formal processes or agreements. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any cost, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by a provider in acting based on this notice.

The Department for Education (DfE) is looking to run a procurement and establish a new multi-lot Framework for the provision of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion Continuing Professional Development (CPD) services across the education sector. The Framework term is expected to be 4 years, with 2 years of potential extension options. The Framework is intended to support the government's investment in SEND workforce development and provide a flexible route to market for both immediate and future SEND CPD requirements. The Framework may include multiple lots to address different audiences including Teachers and Leaders in both Schools and Further Education, School Teaching Assistants and Further Education Support Staff. Services may include, but are not limited to: · Design and development of national SEND CPD programmes · Training delivery · Design and development of learning resources and materials · Quality assurance · Digital learning and hosting solutions The procurement is expected to have a maximum potential lifetime value of up to £800 million, subject to Spending Review decisions and inclusive of potential future requirements and extension options. This figure represents the maximum potential value of the procurement and does not constitute a commitment to spend. The procurement is intended to support the delivery of the Department's SEND workforce development ambitions, including the £200 million investment in SEND teacher training announced in January 2026 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/200-million-landmark-send-teacher-training-programme). The DfE expects to launch the procurement tender process in September 2026, with a view to award the potential contracts by March 2027. The Market Engagement notice is linked, please register your interest under ssq_762 in Jaggaer for any future Market Engagement communications. All information contained within this notice is indicative only and subject to change. The scope, value, procurement approach, lot structure, timetable, term and requirements may be amended, refined or withdrawn as the Department's requirements develop and in light of the consultation on SEND.

The Department for Education is undertaking a market engagement exercise to inform the future procurement of kinship support services in England. The services are expected to provide support to kinship carers and kinship families, including peer support, information, advice, training and related support activities. The engagement will help the Department understand market capacity, service delivery models, innovation opportunities and potential procurement approaches.

Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2 The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. Please note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice. Background: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 The Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. Between 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. Between 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. Building on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.

Department for Education is undertaking an Early Market Engagement exercise to engage with potential suppliers and gain a better understanding of the current market in relation to establish a new, sustainable funding route and contractual arrangement that enables the Department to provide Level 7 accountancy modules, ensuring structured support and progress management for learners and safeguarding the pipeline of professionally qualified accountants.​ The purpose of this engagement is to: understand the capability and capacity of the supplier market; explore potential delivery models and approaches; understand current market developments, innovation and best practice; identify potential challenges, risks and opportunities; seek supplier views to help inform the development of the requirement and potential future procurement strategy. As part of this exercise, DfE intends to hold an Early Market Engagement session via Microsoft Teams. Interested suppliers are invited to register their interest through this notice. Further information regarding the session, including joining arrangements and any relevant documentation, will be provided to registered participants. Please note that this is an Early Market Engagement exercise and does not constitute a call for competition, invitation to tender or request for a quotation. Suppliers will not be required to submit a tender or formal proposal as part of this exercise. Participation, or non-participation, in this engagement will not preclude or advantage any supplier in relation to any subsequent procurement exercise. DfE reserves the right to use information and feedback obtained through this engagement to inform its requirements and procurement approach. Any future procurement opportunity, should one be pursued, will be subject to a separate formal procurement process.

The Department for Education (DfE) is preparing to re-procure its General Qualifications Logistics Service. The Standards and Testing Agency (The Authority) is an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE). The Authority is responsible for primary assessments and the General Qualifications Logistics Service (GQLS). The GQLS covers all secondary and further education establishments in England and provides a single means for Examination Officers to despatch packages of completed exam scripts for marking. There is activity in all months, but the major peak is the annual summer examination series which runs across May and June. We intend to utilise the Crown Commercial Service Courier, Distribution, Storage and Specialist Solutions Framework (RM6354), Lot 3c - Secure Collection and Delivery of Examination Test Papers and Materials. You are receiving this email because you are a registered supplier on this framework lot. Before launching the Invitation to Tender (ITT), we would like to engage with the market to gather supplier feedback and insights that will help us shape the procurement approach and ensure our requirements reflect current market capability and best practice. To support this activity, we are inviting suppliers to attend a one-to-one market engagement session with the DfE project team. These sessions will provide an opportunity to: • Understand DfE's high-level requirements and objectives • Provide feedback on the proposed service requirements. • Share views on market developments, innovation and opportunities. • Identify potential risks, challenges and dependencies. The engagement sessions are intended solely for information gathering and market research purposes. Participation in these sessions will not form part of any future procurement evaluation process and will not provide any supplier with an advantage in any subsequent competition. The estimated value of the contract for the initial 5 years is currently being determined and is anticipated to fall within the range of £40 million to £49 million.

The Department for Education (DfE) is inviting organisations to participate in a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise to help shape a standardised private investment model for rooftop solar installations across schools and colleges in England. As part of the Department's wider ambition to improve, renew and decarbonise the education estate, DfE is piloting a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model that will enable schools and colleges to benefit from solar energy infrastructure without upfront capital investment. This engagement seeks feedback from solar developers, investors, lenders, community energy organisations and other relevant stakeholders on the Power Purchase Agreement model, which includes a PPA and associated lease arrangements. We are looking to understand whether the proposed approach is commercially viable, financeable, scalable and capable of delivering value for money across a diverse education estate. The feedback gathered through this exercise will help refine the model before its wider implementation and support DfE's ambition to make solar deployment more accessible for schools and colleges across England. ________________________________________ Background Through the Great British Energy Solar Partnership and related programmes, solar panels have already been installed across a number of educational settings, demonstrating significant benefits including: • Reduced energy costs for schools and colleges. • Lower carbon emissions and progress towards sustainability objectives. • Improved resilience through on-site electricity generation. • Strong financial returns, with early evidence suggesting average payback periods of approximately 3 to 6 years. The Education Estates Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-estates-strategy) identified solar installation through private investment as a key opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation across the education estate. This PME will help inform the design and delivery of a proposed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) pilot, which is intended to test the viability of this approach. The PPA pilot forms part of this ambition and supports the UK's legally binding commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The pilot will be delivered as part of Phase 1 of the Renewal and Retrofit Programme (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-estates-strategy), initially delivering condition, resilience and decarbonisation works in three regions of England ________________________________________ The Proposal DfE is developing a standardised set of commercial arrangements comprising: • A Power Purchase Agreement governing the sale and purchase of electricity generated by on-site solar installations. • A Lease of Roof Space providing long-term rights for installation and operation of solar assets. The pilot is expected to involve up to 150 schools and colleges across: • Yorkshire and Humber • East Midlands • South East The PPA model aims to deliver: • No upfront capital cost to schools and colleges. • Payment only for electricity consumed. • No minimum electricity purchase commitment. • Long-term contractual arrangements. • Clear allocation of risks and responsibilities. • A consistent approach that can be scaled across the education sector. Ultimately, DfE's ambition is to pilot PPA approach and assess its potential to support the widespread adoption of solar technologies throughout the education estate. ________________________________________ Areas for Feedback We are particularly interested in receiving views on: • Commercial attractiveness and competitiveness of the proposed model. • Bankability and suitability for project financing. • Contract term length and pricing mechanisms. • Allocation of export and grid connection risks. • Estate-wide applicability across different school and college types. • Assignment provisions and lender step-in rights. • Termination arrangements. • Opportunities and challenges associated with larger solar arrays and export revenues. We welcome both strategic observations and detailed technical feedback. ________________________________________ Market Engagement Event DfE will host a market engagement webinar to present the proposed model and outline the draft documentation. The session will cover: • Programme background and policy objectives. • Overview of the proposed PPA model and the pilot. • Key commercial features. • Roles and responsibilities of participating parties. • Feedback areas and consultation questions. • Next steps and opportunities for further engagement. • Live Q&A session. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions during the event and provide more detailed feedback afterwards through a structured questionnaire and, where appropriate, one-to-one engagement sessions. ________________________________________ How to Participate Interested organisations are invited to register their interest in the market engagement exercise and webinar. Participation is encouraged from: • Solar developers and energy generators. • Community energy organisations. • Infrastructure and renewable energy investors. • Lenders and finance providers. • Technical and legal advisers. • Other organisations with relevant expertise in solar, energy infrastructure or public sector delivery. • We will be holding a separate engagement event for Schools and Responsible Bodies We will be holding an engagement webinar on 18/08/2026 from 13:00-14:00. Please register your interest by emailing [email protected] with attendee names, contact emails, and company names. Access to supporting documentation is via ssq_829 on the Jaggaer eProcurement platform. ________________________________________ Important Notice This Preliminary Market Engagement exercise is intended solely to inform the Department's thinking and does not constitute a procurement, commitment to procure, or commitment to award any contract. Any future procurement activity will be subject to separate notices and procurement documentation. The Department reserves the right to amend, pause or discontinue the initiative at any stage. We encourage organisations to take part and help shape a commercially robust, scalable and innovative approach to accelerating solar deployment across England's schools and colleges. Together, we can support a more resilient, sustainable and energy-efficient education estate for the future. The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations.

EOI for Provision of Primary Curriculum Experts - Key Stage 1 English grammar, punctuation and spelling STA is looking to appoint an Assessment Advisor for the development of KS1 and 2 assessment materials for English grammar, punctuation and spelling, as well as a Curriculum Advisor for the development of KS1 assessment materials for English grammar, punctuation and spelling. Assessment Advisor STA is seeking an Assessment Advisor to work alongside test development colleagues on the preparation of KS1 and 2 assessment materials for English grammar, punctuation and spelling. Suitable candidates will have KS1-2 teaching experience, with a specialism in English writing/grammar - perhaps developed as an English or literacy curriculum leader in a school or trust. They will also have familiarity with the national curriculum and associated assessment materials, which may have been gained through teaching the curriculum, administering KS1/2 assessments, and/or supporting teachers in their teaching and assessment practice. Additionally, applicants will have experience of critical engagement with test materials, which may have been developed during teaching or as part of work on review panels. This may be your first role in test development; applicants need not have worked in the capacity of Assessment Advisor before. Curriculum Advisor STA is also seeking to engage a Curriculum Advisor for the KS1 grammar, punctuation and spelling tests. Suitable candidates will have substantial and recent expertise in KS1 grammar, punctuation and spelling, with a rigorous understanding of the curriculum. They will also have experience in critically analysing assessment materials and an understanding of the issues raised by recent reviews and consultations relating to assessment and how subsequent implementation may affect the future structure and strategy of the assessments. Applicants will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, providing constructive feedback at all meetings and to provide workable solutions to any problems and/or issues identified during this project. They will also ideally have experience of assessment development processes, gained from either previous work on National Curriculum tests, or similar activity for another project. The contracts run from October 2026 to August 2028. Within this period, assignment lengths and meeting attendance requirements may vary and will be agreed 3-6 months in advance. These roles can be performed in addition to a full- or part-time role, as long as it does not result in a conflict of interest and the work can be completed within the agreed timelines. Further information will be provided to all those who express an interest. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to receive further information, please express your interest by emailing [email protected] by close of play Friday 14 August. Additional information: If you/ your organisation are interested in this opportunity, please email your contact details to the following address: [email protected] by close of play on 14 August 2026. All parties who express an interest will be contacted by the STA and will receive further details.

The Department for Education intends to procure a lead supplier, or consortium led by a lead supplier, to deliver the next phase of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), a national programme designed to improve computing education through professional development, teacher capability building, targeted school support, curriculum and qualification reform readiness activity, stakeholder engagement, digital services, monitoring and evaluation. The programme is expected to comprise a universal computing continuing professional development (CPD) offer alongside targeted interventions designed to improve participation, strengthen school capability and support digital skills progression pathways The service is expected to include the design, development and delivery of a national computing CPD offer; support for teachers and school leaders; targeted activity to address participation and attainment gaps; support for curriculum and qualification reform readiness; stakeholder engagement and communications; monitoring and evaluation; and associated digital, data and programme management services. Delivery is anticipated to be primarily through scalable online provision, supplemented by targeted interventions where appropriate. The purpose of the upcoming market engagement event is to provide potential suppliers with an overview of the planned procurement, including the anticipated requirements and indicative timescales. The event will also allow the Department to engage with the market at an early stage and gather supplier feedback to help inform the procurement approach. Suppliers attending the event may be invited to complete a feedback questionnaire following the session.

This PME does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education (DfE). If DfE decides to commence any procurement process subject to the Procurement Act 2023 as contemplated by this notice, a separate notice(s) will be published at the relevant time. DfE would like to encourage all relevant organisations, including Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), to participate and have made the engagement process as open as possible in order to facilitate this (please see further details in the “Engagement process description” section below). Consideration will be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations subject to confirmation of a competitive tender process. The Purpose: Preliminary Market Engagement is being undertaken to refine DfE's requirements as it looks to establish a route to market for schools under the Procurement Act 2023 for management information systems (MIS) that enables them to analyse, use and report on key data with a focus on interoperability. It is currently anticipated that this will be in the form of an open framework as defined in the Procurement Act 2023. As part of the preliminary market engagement, DfE is keen to work with MIS suppliers in England to explore how we can harness the potential of data to provide new and valuable insights to share with schools, academy trusts, and local authorities in England to improve outcomes for children and young people, parents and carers. This particular initiative has been branded the Data spine and was referenced in the Schools White Paper published in February 2026. It is anticipated that outcomes of this initiative will be included within the remit of aforementioned route to market. Further information on the link between the MIS route to market project and the Data spine will be shared as part of the engagement process, starting with the market engagement webinar (please see further details in the “Engagement process description” section below). We will conduct further market engagement during spring 2026 with a view to using the market engagement and stakeholders views to further inform the specifics of the proposed MIS route to market. By fully engaging in this process, including the Data spine initiative, organisations have the opportunity to feed into the design of the proposed MIS route to market and ensure it is cognizant of market capabilities.

This procurement relates to the appointment of an accredited Microsoft Solutions Partner (with Microsoft Business Applications accreditation) to provide specialist support, maintenance, development, enhancement and consultancy services for the Department’s core finance system, based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (currently hosted on-premises within Azure Cloud, with a future roadmap to migrate to the SaaS platform). The contract is intended to ensure the ongoing stability, performance, resilience and evolution of this business-critical platform and its associated Microsoft technology estate. The Supplier shall possess the technical expertise and capability to support, maintain and develop the wider Microsoft application environment, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft SQL Server databases, integration services, Power Platform, Copilot, Logic Apps and associated Microsoft technologies. The scope of the requirement includes the provision of 2nd and 3rd line support services delivered against agreed service levels and key performance indicators (KPIs), including incident response and resolution times based on the priority and severity of incidents. The Supplier will be responsible for incident, problem and change management, code development, code deployment, system enhancements and continuous service improvement activities. The Supplier will assume responsibility for the support, maintenance, performance optimisation and ongoing development of all existing custom code, extensions, integrations, Logic Apps, Power Platform solutions, Copilot capabilities, workflows and associated components within the Business Central environment. The Supplier will deliver platform upgrades, release and deployment management, technical architecture support, integration services, disaster recovery planning and testing, business continuity support, security and assurance activities, and all associated documentation and knowledge transfer activities. The Supplier will ensure the continued availability, resilience, recoverability, scalability and performance of the platform, whilst maintaining alignment with Microsoft's product roadmap and delivering ongoing enhancements to support the Department's evolving business and operational requirements. It is anticipated that the Supplier will act as the conduit for the administration and ongoing management of software licences, maintenance agreements, support contracts and enhancement services relating to third-party solutions used within the environment. This includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft enhancements, Insights JET Enterprise, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Application provided via MITL Ltd, Continia (OCR), and the Miracle Pay Application provided via EQE2. The Supplier will be responsible for coordinating these arrangements and ensuring continuity of the associated services throughout the contract term. The Supplier shall work collaboratively with internal Department for Education stakeholders and the Department’s contracted managed service provider to support the effective operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the service, ensuring appropriate governance, communication, knowledge sharing and alignment across all parties. Overall, the requirement encompasses the full range of specialist services necessary to maintain, support, enhance and develop the Department’s Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central environment and associated Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft SQL Server databases, integrations, Logic Apps, Power Platform, disaster recovery and related services.

The Maximising Value for Pupils (MaxVP) programme (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maximising-value-for-pupils/maximising-value-for-pupils), launched in December 2025, aims to support schools and trusts in achieving better value across their spending, ensuring that resources are used as effectively as possible to improve outcomes for pupils. Software and digital services are a key area of focus within this programme, given their growing importance in the day-to-day operation of schools. Through a combination of recent engagement with the education sector and established market insight, the Department for Education (DfE) recognises that software procurement and management present a number of significant challenges. These range from increasing and often opaque costs, to complexities in licensing models, and, in some cases, practices that do not consistently deliver fair value to schools and trusts. In response, the DfE has identified an opportunity to explore the implementation of a Value Added Reseller (VAR) model. Such a model has the potential to simplify procurement routes, improve pricing transparency, and provide more consistent support to schools in managing their software requirements. It could also enable the aggregation of demand, leading to stronger commercial outcomes and reduced burden on individual institutions. In parallel, the DfE has been considering the application of a VAR model to support its own internal software requirements for a number of years. Aligning these ambitions presents an opportunity to create a unified commercial approach that delivers benefits at both departmental and sector levels. The overarching objective is therefore to establish a VAR model that effectively meets the needs of both the education sector and the DfE, driving improved value, greater efficiency, and more sustainable software procurement practices.

Value range: Up to £27,600,000 inclusive of VAT. Following the EY SEND CPD Market Engagement in March 2026, the Department launches this deliverable in response to commitments in the 'Every child achieving and thriving' white paper which detailed a series of reforms of the SEND system, including the need for high-quality SEND CPD and the Best Start in Life strategy which commits to making inclusive practice standard practice in the early years. The Department is looking to procure the development and delivery of a package of new, national, comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD) for all Early Years Practitioners (EYPs) on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) training materials. Phased delivery of this new training package should start from September 2027 The training should be specific to SEND in early years only, specifically ages 0-4. It should be available and applicable to all early years practitioners, regardless of qualification level or setting type (Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVIs), school-based nurseries, childminders etc.) and meet government accessibility standards. This procurement will be phase 2 of a programme to improve SEND capability and inclusive practice in EY settings. Phase 1 is being procured for separately and will be in place from September 2026. The supplier will provide Phase 2 of the programme that will include: - A suite of online modules, available to all EYPs and accessible for professionals in the wider EY sector (Best Start Inclusion Practitioners (BSIPs) within Best Start Family Hubs (BSFH), health visitors, Reception teachers, etc.); - Interactive, online webinars centred on the online modules, designed to enhance learning and embed inclusive practice, available to all EYPs with some webinars targeted at specific groups (e.g. childminders, leaders); - A face to face local support offer to share best practice and strengthen local networks.

The Department for Education (DfE) is looking to tender for a subject matter expert to advise on the structural and fire safety performance of 2D panelised modern methods of construction. In particular, DfE is seeking to understand whether standards, guidance and best practice for traditionally constructed building need to be developed for 2D panelised construction methods. The supplier will be required to research and collate and review information (including data which DfE may share) relating to recent use of 2D panels systems in low to medium-rise buildings in the UK. They will be required to undertake visits to both construction sites and completed buildings that use this construction method. They will also be required to engage with major contractors who supply and construct buildings of this type. Market Engagement Details To attend this presentation, please register your interest through Jaggaer by XX:00 XXth June 2026. Please register for Jaggaer using the URL link below: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html Once registered, the supplier event area can be accessed by clicking "View Opportunities" on the main page. Event joining instructions will be issued following an expression of interest. The Jaggaer reference is ssq_791. Participants who have registered an expression of interest will receive a Microsoft Teams link to join the session, through Jaggaer message. It is the responsibility of the participants to check for messages, instructions and updates in the Jaggaer E-sourcing Portal. If you do not receive the invite at least 24hrs before the event, please contact the commercial team through Jaggaer message to ensure you receive joining instructions in time. CCS Framework Details The Department for Education (DfE) anticipates commissioning these services through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6242 Construction Professional Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Important Information for Suppliers: - To be eligible for an invitation to tender, suppliers must: o Be registered and live on the RM6242 DPS; and o Have selected the appropriate service filters that align with the scope of work for this requirement. - Registration on the DPS is managed by CCS, not DfE. For any technical queries or assistance with registration, please contact CCS directly. - Suppliers must ensure they are fully registered and have the relevant service filters applied no later than 48 hours before procurement launch. Failure to do so will mean you are not eligible for an invitation to tender. Next Steps: - Details on how to register with CCS and join the DPS will be provided after the market engagement event. - Attendance at the event will help suppliers understand the programme, timelines, and requirements Further details for this DPS can be found at https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6242 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0345 410 2222

The Department for Education (DfE) is looking to tender for a subject matter expert to advise on the structural and fire safety performance of 2D panelised modern methods of construction. In particular, DfE is seeking to understand whether standards, guidance and best practice for traditionally constructed building need to be developed for 2D panelised construction methods. The supplier will be required to research and collate and review information (including data which DfE may share) relating to recent use of 2D panels systems in low to medium-rise buildings in the UK. They will be required to undertake visits to both construction sites and completed buildings that use this construction method. They will also be required to engage with major contractors who supply and construct buildings of this type. Full details are to be made available to all interested parties after the Market Engagement event. This PIN is for information only and is not a call for competition. This PIN is intended to inform the market of a potential procurement exercise to appoint suppliers to work with the Department on providing the outlined service. The Department reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with contract award. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.

These procurements will be ran via the GCA Framework "Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7" RM1043.9, Lot 2. Only suppliers awarded onto this framework Lot shall be invited to participate in this preliminary market engagement event and subsequent further competition. This event is to alert the market of an upcoming tender opportunity and to provide important context and information ahead of the requirements being launched. Portfolio Support We are seeking a supplier that will partner with us to maintain and deliver digital products and services to support the Careers and Skills policy outcomes in rainbow teams alongside other suppliers and permanent civil servants.