Approved List for Supported Accommodation for Children and Young People

East Sussex County Council is seeking applications from providers for its Approved List for Supported Accommodation and Accommodation-Based Support services for children and young people across the county.

The Approved List will support the commissioning of accommodation and support services for care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), young homeless people, and young parents with varying levels of support needs. The arrangement will remain open throughout its duration, allowing providers to submit applications at any time.

According to the Council, only East Sussex County Council will be permitted to directly award contracts or run mini-competitions under the Approved List. Previously unsuccessful applicants may also reapply during the lifespan of the arrangement.

Service Categories

The Approved List covers the provision of supported accommodation and accommodation-based support for the following groups:

• Care Leavers, UASC and young homeless people aged 16–17 with high support needs
• Care Leavers, UASC and young homeless people aged 16–17 with medium support needs
• Care leavers and UASC aged 18–21 with ongoing or enduring multiple and complex needs
• Pregnant care leavers and young parents aged 16–21 with medium support needs

The Council confirmed that evaluations of applications will take place at least twice per financial year, with more frequent evaluations anticipated during the first 12 months of operation.

Contract Information

• Buyer: East Sussex County Council
• Deadline: 21st May 2027 at 12:00
• Contract Value: Not disclosed
• Contract Start Date: 1st June 2023
• Delivery Length: Until 21st May 2027 with the option to extend for up to a further 24 months
• Delivery Address: County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE
• Tender Link

Ofsted Requirements

Following the Department for Education consultation regarding supported accommodation regulation, providers accommodating Looked After Children and Care Leavers aged 16 and 17 must comply with mandatory national standards and Ofsted-led regulation requirements.

The Council stated that applications received after 28 October 2023, or any revised regulatory implementation date, will fail if the bidder has not completed Stage 1 of the Ofsted registration process.

Inspections under the Ofsted-led framework were scheduled to commence from October 2023 as part of the Government’s wider reforms to supported accommodation services for young people.

Procurement Process

The Approved List will remain permanently open during the contract term, enabling:

• Ongoing provider applications
• Reapplications from unsuccessful bidders
• Mini-competitions and direct awards by the Council where appropriate

The opportunity reflects continuing demand for supported accommodation services that can deliver safe, structured, and person-centred support for vulnerable young people, care leavers, and UASC across East Sussex.

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Jamie Peacock – Tender Specialist

If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at editorial@dailyround.news