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UK2

Market engagement for Specialist Speech and Language Therapy (AAC) for school age children

  • First published: 09 October 2026
  • Last modified: 09 October 2026
  • Version: N/A
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To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Contents

Summary

OCID:
ocds-h6vhtk-0783d0
Published by:
West Northamptonshire Council
Authority ID:
AA80738
Publication date:
09 October 2026
Deadline date:
31 October 2026
Notice type:
UK2
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

Fairfields School (Northampton) has been awarded the commission to deliver the local High-Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) service for children across Northamptonshire.As part of our service development, we are inviting independent Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy organisations with specialist AAC expertise to join an online market engagement event.We are seeking specialist Speech and Language Therapy support to work alongside our multidisciplinary team in delivering the local High-Tech AAC service.The initial requirement is anticipated to be:• 2 days per week• 40 weeks per year (term time only)• Potential for extension subject to service demand and contract continuationWe are interested in engaging with providers who can demonstrate:• Qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist with specialist AAC knowledge and experience (Band 6 or above equivalent)• Experience undertaking comprehensive assessments and recommending appropriate communication pathways, devices and software solutions• The ability to produce clear assessment reports and evidence-based recommendations• Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across education, health and social care• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload• Knowledge and application of Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs) to evidence impact• Experience delivering training and support to professionals, families and carers• The ability to contribute to robust reports that demonstrate outcomes and impact through data and evidence• A person-centred approach that actively involves children, young people and families in communication planning and goal setting• The ability to motivate, engage and support young people throughout their communication journeyEssential Requirements• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)

Full notice text

Scope

Procurement description

Fairfields School (Northampton) has been awarded the commission to deliver the local High-Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) service for children across Northamptonshire.

As part of our service development, we are inviting independent Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy organisations with specialist AAC expertise to join an online market engagement event.

We are seeking specialist Speech and Language Therapy support to work alongside our multidisciplinary team in delivering the local High-Tech AAC service.

The initial requirement is anticipated to be:

• 2 days per week

• 40 weeks per year (term time only)

• Potential for extension subject to service demand and contract continuation

We are interested in engaging with providers who can demonstrate:

• Qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist with specialist AAC knowledge and experience (Band 6 or above equivalent)

• Experience undertaking comprehensive assessments and recommending appropriate communication pathways, devices and software solutions

• The ability to produce clear assessment reports and evidence-based recommendations

• Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across education, health and social care

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload

• Knowledge and application of Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs) to evidence impact

• Experience delivering training and support to professionals, families and carers

• The ability to contribute to robust reports that demonstrate outcomes and impact through data and evidence

• A person-centred approach that actively involves children, young people and families in communication planning and goal setting

• The ability to motivate, engage and support young people throughout their communication journey

Essential Requirements

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration

• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)

Main category

Services

Contract dates (estimated)

01 December 2026, 00:00AM to 01 December 2027, 23:59PM

Contracting authority

West Northamptonshire Council

Identification register:

  • GB-PPON

Address 1: Angel Street

Town/City: Northampton

Postcode: NN1 1ED

Country: United Kingdom

Website: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/

Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGDV-8944-CMBP

NUTS code: UKF24

Email: educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government

Lots

Divided into 1 lots

Lot number: 1

CPV classifications

  • 80340000 - Special education services

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 December 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

01 December 2027, 23:59PM

Engagement

Engagement process description

As part of our service development, we are inviting independent Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy organisations with specialist AAC expertise to join an online market engagement event.

This session is an opportunity to learn more about the service, understand the requirements of the role, and explore potential opportunities to support the delivery of a high-quality AAC provision for children and young people across Northamptonshire.

We would particularly welcome expressions of interest from:

• Independent Speech and Language Therapists

• Speech and Language Therapy companies and organisations

• Professionals with specialist knowledge and experience in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

• Therapists passionate about supporting children and young people with complex communication needs

The purpose of the session is to:

• Provide an overview of the Northamptonshire High-Tech AAC service

• Outline the specialist support requirements

• Discuss service delivery expectations

• Understand market capacity and capability

• Allow potential providers to ask questions and explore future opportunities

Date: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Time: 4-5pm

Platform: Microsoft Teams https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3280658678697594?p=jeG9qfKpMqlhPF90Y3

To register your expression of interest in attending, please email:

educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk

Due date

30 October 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
80340000 Special education services Higher education services

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
N/a
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

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