Provision of Post 16 Supported Accommodation and Support Services Framework

Tender description

Bradford Children & Families Trust (BCFT) intends to procure a new open framework agreement for the provision of Supported Accommodation and Support Services for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25, including looked-after children, care leavers, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). The proposed contract will support the delivery of a wide range of accommodation models and associated support designed to promote independence, improve outcomes, and reduce off-framework placements. The BCFT is seeking to work with providers who can demonstrate continual improvements in value for money achieved by deploying efficient and innovative ways to meet the needs of the children and young people. Providers must be able to deliver services in accordance with the Children Act 1989, the Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010, and the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, among other statutory requirements. The will consist of 6 Lots which are as follows: Lot 1: Group Living / Ring-Fenced Supported Accommodation, Lot 2: Single Occupancy / Supported Tenancy, Lot 3: Specialist UASC Accommodation (Shared & Single), Lot 4: Emergency and Crisis Accommodation, Lot 5: Supported Accommodation in Private Residence (Supported Lodgings), and Lot 6: Outreach and Floating Support. BCFT seeks to work with providers who can demonstrate continuous improvement in delivering value for money by adopting efficient and innovative approaches to meet the needs of children and young people. The contracts will commence from 1st September 2026, for an initial period of 8 years (5+1+1+1). Lot 115763: Lot 1: Group Living / Ring-Fenced Supported Accommodation • Shared units for CLA & UASC • Two support tiers: Standard & Higher Need (by assessment) • Risk/needs assessment before placement • 24/7 on-site staff, crisis response • Direct support: 16–17 yrs: 3 hrs/week; 18+: 1 hr/week • Homely, personalisable environment • Local knowledge & community engagement • Higher staffing for complex needs Lot 115764: Lot 2: Single Occupancy / Supported Tenancy Solo placements for young people with higher or risk-managed needs. 24/7 crisis support available. Individualised support focused on safety, resilience, and independence. Accommodation must be within 20 miles of Bradford. Properties can be provider-owned, private, or social landlord. Minimum support: 3 hrs/week (16–17), 1 hr/week (18+). Extra support hours are purchasable via Lot 6. Providers must complete Location Risk Assessments for each property. Lot 115765: Lot 3: Specialist UASC Accommodation (Shared & Single) • Tailored for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), aged 16–17. • Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support with access to interpreters and legal advice. • Staff must understand the asylum process and provide emotional, educational, and practical support. • Accommodation can be shared or single, with 24/7 on-site staff. • Minimum of 3 hours/week support (16–17), 1 hour/week (18+). • Emphasis on integration, independence, and community participation. Lot 115766: Lot 4: Emergency and Crisis Accommodation • Short-term emergency placements (max 28 days) for 16–17-year-olds. • Used in cases of immediate homelessness or placement breakdown. • Preferably located adjacent to group living facilities with 24/7 staffing. • Must comply with Ofsted regulations. • Available 365 days a year. Lot 115767: Lot 5: Supported Accommodation in Private Residence (Supported Lodgings) • Young person lives in a private home with a trained host (not as a family member). • Offers a safe, supportive environment to build independence. • Hosts are recruited and supported by a registered provider. • Bridges the gap between care and independent living. • Must meet minimum safer recruitment standards. Lot 115768: Lot 6: Outreach and Floating Support • Community-based support for young people in their own tenancies. • Focus on tenancy sustainment, emotional resilience, and life skills. • Support available 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, with 24/7 crisis access. • Staffing ratio: 1 staff to 8 young people (max). • Providers must have local knowledge and support positive neighbour relations. • Support is flexible, creative, and outcome-focused.