Approved List for Supported Accommodation for Children and Young People

East Sussex County Council are seeking applications for their Approved List for the provision of Supported Accommodation and Accommodation-Based Support for Children and Young People.

This Approved List is for Service Providers that will provide supported accommodation and accommodation-based support for:

1) Care Leavers, UASC and young homeless aged 16/17 with high support needs.

2) Care Leavers, UASC and young homeless aged 16/17 with medium support needs.

3) Care leavers and UASC aged 18–21 with ongoing or enduring Multiple and Complex Needs.

4) Pregnant Care Leavers and young parents aged 16-21 with medium support needs.

Following a Department for Education’s consultation in 2021, the Government will introduce mandatory national standards and Ofsted-led regulation for providers of supported accommodation who accommodate Looked After Children and Care Leavers aged 16 and 17. The latest information available indicates that registration for regulation will commence in the Spring of 2023, with inspections commencing from October 2023. If the application is received after 28 October 2023 (or such other date as specified under the regulations), the Bidder will Fail if they have not completed Stage 1 of the Ofsted registration process.

Only East Sussex County Council are permitted to direct award or run a mini competition under this Approved List, which will remain open at all times, meaning applications can be submitted at any time and previously unsuccessful Bidders may reapply. The evaluation of applications will be undertaken at least twice per financial year, at the discretion of the Council and more frequently in the first 12 months of the Approved List being open.

The Approved List is open until 21 May 2027. There is an option to extend for up to a further 24 months.