Thirteen (13) local authorities: Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, Dorset Council, Isle of Wight Council, Surrey County Council, Reading Borough Council, Slough Children’s Services Trust, Wokingham Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and West Berkshire Council, (thereby referred to as The Councils) are working together to improve placement choice and quality for the children and young people they look after.

In order to improve placement choice and quality, the Councils wish to work in partnership with a number of providers who can demonstrate that they have the ability to deliver high quality independent foster care. This procurement is the fourth anniversary re-opening of The Councils’ framework agreement for Independent Fostering Agencies (ref: EC09/01/2422) and invites tenders from both new applicants or from existing providers who wish to improve their original offers or apply for a place on additional lots. Applicants will be required to meet a minimum quality standard to be able to be offered a place on the framework. Please see tender documents for further information. This opportunity comprises of the following lots:

Lot 1(a): children aged from 0-4 years;

Lot 1(b): children aged from 5-10 years;

Lot 1(c): children aged 11+ years;

Lot 2: children with disabilities;

Lot 3: parent and child placements;

Lot 4: alternative to residential placements

Please see short description under II.1.4).

Please see short description under II.1.4).

Please see short description under II.1.4).

Please see short description under II.1.4).