Independent and Non-Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) Open Framework (CN260427)
This is a contract result notice, not an open opportunity. Details from the official award data.
The procurement contact named on the official notice.
Kent County Council (KCC) is establishing a new Independent and Non‑Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) Open Framework (reference CN260427) to replace the existing NMISS Dynamic Purchasing System when it expires on 31 August 2026.
The Framework will support the placement of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) whose needs cannot be met in mainstream or maintained special school settings, ensuring continuity of provision and compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
The Framework will commence on 1 September 2026 for an initial period of 4 years, with potential extensions up to another 4 years, and an estimated maximum total value of £876 million across the full term.
It aims to improve outcomes, strengthen quality assurance, enhance pricing transparency, and secure better value for money while ensuring placements remain focused on children with the most complex needs.
Provision under this Framework includes Independent Special Schools (both Section 41 and non‑Section 41) and Non‑Maintained Special Schools.
Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and must meet statutory and contractual quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.
The Framework uses a two‑lot structure: Lot A - Strategic Partners, for Tenderers meeting a higher quality threshold and capable of close strategic collaboration with KCC, including potential consideration for longer‑term arrangements such as block contracting.
Lot B - Approved Providers, meeting the standard quality threshold.
The procurement will be conducted via a Competitive Flexible Procedure, comprising a Conditions of Participation Stage followed by an Invitation to Tender for shortlisted providers.
Quality evaluation thresholds will determine allocation to Lots.
For full details, all suppliers must access the opportunity through the Kent Business Portal and download the complete document pack: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/
What the notice asks for
The Framework will support the placement
The Framework will support the placement of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) whose needs cannot be met in mainstream or maintained special school settings, ensuring continuity of provision and compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted
Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and must meet statutory and contractual quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.
Strategic Partners, for Tenderers meeting a higher
Strategic Partners, for Tenderers meeting a higher quality threshold and capable of close strategic collaboration with KCC, including potential consideration for longer‑term arrangements such as block contracting.
For full details, all suppliers must access
For full details, all suppliers must access the opportunity through the Kent Business Portal and download the complete document pack: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/.
Sentences from the notice that state an obligation, surfaced automatically and shown in the order they appear. Not an exhaustive list — always confirm against the tender documents.
What this notice demands of you
2 named in obligation language, 1 mentioned. Each one is quoted from the notice.
Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and must meet statutory and contractual quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.
Providers must be appropriately registered with Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and must meet statutory and contractual quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.
Kent County Council (KCC) is establishing a new Independent and Non‑Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) Open Framework (reference CN260427) to replace the existing NMISS Dynamic Purchasing System when it expires on 31 August 2026.
Matched against the notice text, so this is a floor — the tender pack will demand things the notice never mentions. “Says must” means the quoted sentence itself used obligation language; anything ambiguous is left as a mention.
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- OCID
- ocds-h6vhtk-051257
- Stage
- award · Awarded
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Buyer ref
- 055271-2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source data © Crown copyright.
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