Published date: 28 October 2025

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 11 November 2025

Contract summary

Industry

  • Welfare services for children and young people - 85311300

  • Counselling services - 85312320

Location of contract

West Midlands

Procurement reference

P3443 SMT

Published date

28 October 2025

Closing date

11 November 2025

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

Birmingham City Council is conducting a Soft Market Testing exercise to explore the potential procurement of Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Services for Birmingham Virtual School (BVS). This is an exploratory exercise to assess market interest, capacity, and viability for future commissioning. Participation is voluntary and will not affect eligibility for future procurement.

Birmingham Virtual School supports the educational progress of Children in Care (CIC), Previously Looked-After Children (PLAC), and Children with a Social Worker (CWSW). The school operates strategically, working with professionals and families to ensure children known to social care receive appropriate educational and emotional support.

Key Principles
• Empowerment: Children and families involved in planning
• Flexibility: Tailored services to individual needs
• Quality & Safety: High standards and safeguarding compliance
• Accountability: Transparent service delivery and financial practices
• Monitoring: Regular evaluation and stakeholder feedback

Support should enable young people to:
• manage exam stress and perform confidently
• transition smoothly into new school environments
• and maintain emotional wellbeing and positive educational engagement

The estimated contract start date is April 2026 for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for a further 1 year

Please complete the Expression of Interest questionnaire via the following link:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Z86aaeTSzUuzA9K74rm78a25OehCvWdGmM3r15QnA7RUOTNMOTJSUE43MDQwQTYwRUZZT1pHV05QUC4u

Deadline for Submission is Tuesday 11th November 2025

All communications must be made via the Council"s e-tendering system In-tend www.in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc

Please do not contact Council Officers directly. For technical support: cps@birmingham.gov.uk

All information shared during this SMT will be treated confidentially and used solely to inform future commissioning decisions.

More information


Attachments

  • SMT_Service Brief_BVS MH & EW Service.docx
  • Market studies

Links

  • https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Z86aaeTSzUuzA9K74rm78a25OehCvWdGmM3r15QnA7RUOTNMOTJSUE43MDQwQTYwRUZZT1pHV05QUC4u
  • Market studies

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Contact name

Commercial and Procurement Services

Address

Council House, 1 Victoria Square
BIRMINGHAM
B1 1BB
England

Email

cps@birmingham.gov.uk

Website

www.in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc