Provision of Educational Psychologists to carry out Statutory Assessments

Somerset Council is seeking a provider to supply suitably qualified and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered Educational Psychologists to undertake statutory Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) work.

The appointed provider will undertake assessments and produce Psychological Advice on behalf of the Council, supporting the timely completion of statutory EHC needs assessments for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The contract is valued at an estimated £2.32 million excluding VAT, with delivery expected to begin in November 2026.

Service Requirements

The overarching aim of the service is to support Somerset Council in completing statutory EHC needs assessments within required timescales while contributing to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The provider will be required to supply suitably qualified and HCPC-registered Educational Psychologists and work collaboratively with the Council to:

• Undertake Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment work
• Produce Psychological Advice on behalf of Somerset Council
• Support the timely completion of statutory assessments
• Help reduce delays within the EHC assessment process
• Support compliance with statutory timescales

Contract Information

Buyer: Somerset Council

Deadline: 16 September 2026, 12:00pm

Enquiry Deadline: 9 September 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £2,320,160 excluding VAT / £2,784,192 including VAT

Delivery Length: 10 November 2026 to 31 March 2029, with a possible extension to 31 March 2030

Tender Link: Access the Proactis supplier portal

Reference: EPRO1000556 / ERFX1003401

Estimated Award Decision Date: 28 October 2026

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated using the following weightings:

• Price – 50%
• Quality – 40%
• Social Value – 10%

Professional Requirements

Educational Psychologists supplied under the contract must be suitably qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Potential Contract Expansion

Somerset Council has stated that additional funding could become available for the service, while additional Educational Psychologist capacity may also be required due to delivery of the Experts at Hand Offer and the need to backfill assessment capacity.

In line with Schedule 8 of the Procurement Act 2023 relating to permitted modifications, the contract could therefore be expanded at the Council’s discretion. This may involve an increase in scope, an extension to the contract term, or both, should additional funding become available and/or restructuring create a requirement for further capacity.

Procurement Procedure

The opportunity is being conducted through an Open procedure under the Light Touch regime.

The contract represents a significant opportunity for providers able to supply qualified and HCPC-registered Educational Psychologists, with the service focused on increasing assessment capacity, reducing delays and supporting Somerset Council in meeting statutory EHC assessment timescales for children and young people with SEND.

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