Sensory Checks in Special Educational Settings for Sight tests and Hearing checks

Description

NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Boards (BSW ICB) acting as lead commissioner on behalf of NHS Somerset ICB and Dorset ICB are seeking market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced providers to understand the level of interest in this service and understand the opportunities and barriers in the provision of care within each locality, to assist Commissioners in developing their commissioning approach, lotting structure and service specifications for their Sensory Checks service in Special Educational Settings (SES) for sight testing and hearing checks across the BSW, Somerset and Dorset localities. The commissioners invite expressions of interest from providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sensory Checks in Special Educational Settings, in line with the specified requirements. Providers wishing to take part in the market engagement must express an interest within the e-procurement system where providers will be given access to a draft specifications and registration questionnaire. Completed registration questionnaires (available via the portal) should be submitted no later than 4pm Friday, 20th February 2026 via the Microsoft Forms link within the e-procurement system in order to receive an invite to the event. The market engagement event will be held virtually on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 2pm until 4pm via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided for those who express an interest in due course. Interested providers will be able to view this notice via the 'Live Opportunities' list on the e-procurement system, Atamis, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners. Lot 1: NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Boards (BSW ICB) acting as lead commissioner on behalf of NHS Somerset ICB and Dorset ICB are seeking market engagement with suitably qualified and experienced providers to understand the level of interest in this service and understand the opportunities and barriers in the provision of care within each locality, to assist Commissioners in developing their commissioning approach, lotting structure and service specifications for their Sensory Checks service in Special Educational Settings (SES) for sight testing and hearing checks across BSW, Somerset and Dorset localities. The services must be person centred with reasonable adjustments and create a supportive needs-led environment to meet the needs of individual children and young people. The sight testing service will provide in-school sight testing and dispensing to all children and young people in residential and day SES and comprises of: • Annual sight tests, unless a more frequent interval is clinically indicated. • Offering corrective lenses where required. • Manage prompt and appropriate onward referral into appropriate established care pathways if further checks or treatment are required. • Providing access for any parents/carers/guardians to attend the sight test and selection of frames if they wish to do so. • Provide an eye health outcome and vision report. • Working closely with SES staff to ensure the service flexibly aligns with school capacity and schedules. • Engage with: o the SES school staff o parents/carers/guardians o children and young people attending the SES o Commissioners o the local eye health network (where they exist) o local optical committees The hearing checks service will provide in-school ear checks for all children and young people attending special residential schools and colleges and comprises of: • A hearing check twice during their school career with at least two years between checks (max. 3). • Early identification of potential ear-related problems (hearing loss, ear infections, occluding wax). • Effective monitoring of the overall health of their ears, including checking for the presence of any infections, blockages, or abnormalities • Timely intervention and appropriate management to ensure optimal ear health and support the children and young people's overall well-being and adjustments. • Prompt and appropriate onward referral of potential issues ensuring timely initiation of tests and treatment. • Provide appropriate information and advice to parents/carers/legal guardians, schools and colleges. • Provide close collaboration with school staff, parents, and carers to understand the individual child's specific needs. Further details can be found in the draft specifications via the expression of interest route. The anticipated annual contract value of the services across all localities is £536,000. The Commissioners invite expressions of interest from providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sensory Checks in Special Educational Settings, in line with the specified requirements. Providers wishing to take part in the market engagement must express an interest within the e-procurement system where providers will be given access to a draft specifications and registration questionnaire. Completed registration questionnaires (available via the portal) should be submitted no later than 4pm Friday, 20th February 2026 via the Microsoft Forms link within the e-procurement system in order to receive an invite to the event. The market engagement event will be held virtually on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 2pm until 4pm via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided to those who express an interest in due course. Interested providers will be able to view this notice via the 'Live Opportunities' list on the e-procurement system, Atamis, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.