Deaf Outreach Service

Description

The London Borough of Enfield (the 'contracting authority') is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced supplier to provide a Deaf Outreach Service for children and young people who have a hearing impairment.  The resultant contract will be entered with the successful supplier to provide resources and training to support schools, colleges, and families to meet the needs of hearing-impaired children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years, ensuring equal educational opportunities (please refer to the Specifications for further information). As part of this procurement process, the contracting authority undertook preliminary market engagement between January and February 2026, advertised on 15 January 2026 via the published Notice 2026/S 000-003494. The duration of the contract will be for an initial two (2) years with the option to extend up to a further one (1) year plus another one (1) year (total 4 years), subject to the supplier's performance and at the full discretion of the contracting authority, and subject to a lawful termination in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Contract and budget availability (please refer to Volume 4 of the procurement documents). The procurement is being run as a one stage process via an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 and is classified as a Light Touch Service, in accordance with Schedule 1 of the regulations. Additionally, the contracting authority will incorporate a voluntary standstill period for eight (8) working days, commencing the day on which this contract award notice has been published. The Deaf Outreach Service provides specialist support to deaf children and young people aged 0-25 years, enabling them to access the educational curriculum alongside their peers. This is a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010, with delivery guided by the SEND Code of Practice.  Historically, the service has operated through a combination of direct outreach, partnership working, and integration with wider SEND provision. Demand for the service has evolved in response to demographic changes and advances in assistive technology.  Recent trends include increased demand, a focus on inclusive education, digital solutions for remote support, and further integration with wider SEND services. The service is shaped by both national policy and Enfield Council's SEND strategy, with all operations underpinned by safeguarding and best practice standards.  The contracting authority would like to receive competitive tenders that will meet the Council's current requirements and ensure improvements to the future delivery of the service.  The existing Deaf Outreach Service contract currently supports 291 Enfield children and young people, providing specialist advice, assessment, and training to families, schools, and professionals. The intention of this procurement will be to ensure continuation of high-quality, accessible support for all eligible children and young people, promoting inclusion and independence.  The service shall include direct outreach, training for school staff, family support, and integration with other SEND services. Provision must be available for Enfield's children and young people, including visits to educational establishments outside of Enfield's boundary if a child or young person should attend one of these, and also within independent educational establishments if the child or young person has an Education Health, and Care Plan.  Key Challenges : Meeting diverse needs   Managing resources efficiently while maintaining a quality service, and   Responding to demographic changes  Key Stakeholders : Children   Families   Schools   Health professionals, and   Voluntary organisations   The Service is driven by a commitment to improving outcomes, achieving value for money, and complying with statutory duties.  The estimated maximum budget for this service is £1,504,000 (excluding VAT and any indexations that might be agreed) over the full life of 4 years, including extensions. The contract aims to deliver a responsive, high-quality Deaf Outreach Service that employs people with the qualifications and expertise required to support children and young people, schools, and families. Strategic Aims:  Promoting inclusion   Improving educational attainment, and   Empowering families   Operational requirements include rapid response to referrals, flexible service delivery, integration with other SEND services, and robust performance monitoring (see Appendix 2 for draft Service Specification and KPIs).   Expected Outcomes :  Improved access to education   Increased independence   High satisfaction rates, and   Compliance with statutory duties  Further details are found within the Service Specification that is uploaded to the contracting authority's portal, Atamis, as part of the procurement documents.