For most children’s services, yes. The type of Ofsted registration required depends on your service model. Providers working with looked-after children and care leavers aged 16-17 must register as a supported accommodation provider. Those delivering early intervention, SEND support, or family support services may fall under a different registration category or may not require Ofsted registration at all if the service does not involve regulated accommodation. We confirm the specific regulatory requirements for each opportunity as part of our eligibility review.

Not usually. When working with children and young people, Ofsted is the relevant regulator in most cases. CQC registration may be required where a service involves the delivery of personal care as a regulated activity, but this is not typical for most CYP commissioning. We confirm what applies to each specific opportunity before any work begins.

Children and Young People contracts are open to a wide range of organisations including charities, social enterprises, private companies, and local authority spin-offs. The key requirement is demonstrable experience working with the relevant client group and the appropriate regulatory registrations for the service type.

Yes — verifiable references demonstrating experience with children, young people, or SEND cohorts are required for most opportunities. Requirements vary by opportunity and commissioner. We assess this as part of our initial eligibility review.

CYP and SEND services are commissioned by both local authorities and the NHS. Opportunities are typically advertised through Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS).

It depends on the tender. Some set a fixed rate which you accept or decline. Others ask you to submit your own rates using a provided template. We cover the commercial section in detail at the kickoff call. You can also read more on our Tender Commercials page.