Action for Children Wins £34.8 Million Contract to Operate Two New Children’s Homes in Bath & North East Somerset

Bath & North East Somerset Council has awarded a contract worth up to £34.8 million to Action for Children to operate two new residential children’s homes in Keynsham, supporting young people aged 11 to 18 with autism and complex social, emotional and mental health needs.

The contract follows a competitive flexible procurement under the Light Touch Regime and will see Action for Children become the Council’s strategic partner in delivering the specialist residential provision.

The two four-bed children’s homes will be co-located with, but entirely separate from, a new 30-place special school, which will be operated by a single or multi-academy trust. The Council anticipates that many, if not all, of the children living in the homes will attend the co-located school.

The development will be delivered at the former Charlton House care home site in Keynsham, owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The initial contract is scheduled to run from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2036, with the option to extend for up to a further three years, taking the maximum potential term to 31 August 2039.

According to the published award notice, the contract value represents the maximum value over the full contract term, including the extension period. It is based on 100% occupancy of both homes and includes estimated additional costs to meet individual care needs.

The procurement attracted two tenders, with one tender assessed at the final stage. Action for Children was the sole successful bidder.

The award decision was made on 24 June 2026, with the standstill period ending on 7 July 2026. The earliest date the contract may be signed is 31 July 2026.

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