Independent and Non-Maintained Special Schools (INMSS) Open Framework

Procurement reference

CN260427

Procurement description

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/

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKJ4 - Kent

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

876000000 GBP to 1752000000GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

01 September 2026, 00:00AM to 31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 August 2034

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Is this an open framework scheme?

Yes

Kent County Council

Procedure type

Competitive flexible procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Open framework scheme end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Award method when using the framework

With and without reopening competition

Framework operation description

Please see Pricing Guidance in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) pack and the Call-Off Process as described in the Open Framework Agreement Pack.

Description

Tenderers achieving a high-quality threshold, expected to deliver consistently excellent outcomes and engage in strategic collaboration with the Council. This may include opportunities for longer term arrangements such as block contracting where appropriate.

CPV classifications

• 80100000 - Primary education services
• 80200000 - Secondary education services

Delivery regions

• UKJ4 - Kent

Lot value (estimated)

876000000 GBP Excluding VAT

1051200000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

A possibility for four possible contract extension of up to 4 year(s) (12 months each)

Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded

1

Award criteria

Description

Tenderers meeting a moderate quality threshold offering suitable provision with potential for development and improvement.

CPV classifications

• 80100000 - Primary education services
• 80200000 - Secondary education services

Delivery regions

• UKJ4 - Kent

Lot value (estimated)

876000000 GBP Excluding VAT

1051200000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

A possibility for four possible contract extension of up to 4 year(s) (12 months each)

Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded

1

Award criteria

Expression of interest deadline

20 February 2026, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

13 February 2026, 23:59PM

Date of award of contract

23 June 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/To respond to this opportunity, please use the access code: D2SK4KN582 or use the following link: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/D2SK4KN582

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English