Semi Independent Accommodation And Support Framework Re Opening NEW Applicants
Framework Description
Essex County Council's Post 16+ Semi Independent Accommodation and Support Framework (reference DN748664) buys accommodation with support for young people and families. It has four lots: 16 and 17 year old eligible and relevant young people, separated migrant children, families and young people with no recourse to public funds, and young people with complex needs. The July 2025 award notice lists 75 suppliers and values up to £140m.
Context & Use Case
Essex County Council uses it to meet its duties to accommodate and support looked-after young people and care leavers, separated migrant children, including where an age assessment is needed, and families with no recourse to public funds. Placements combine a home with support towards independence. At award, the technical response was worth 56%, social value 4% and price 40%.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Eligible and relevant young people aged 16 and 17 Lot 2: Separated migrant children aged 16 and 17, including where age assessment is required Lot 3: Families and young people aged 18+ with no recourse to public funds Lot 4: Young people aged 16 and 17 with complex needs needing intensive support
Lots
Lot 1: Eligible and relevant young people aged 16-17; Lot 2: Separated migrant children aged 16-17; Lot 3: Families and young people 18+ with no recourse to public funds; Lot 4: Young people aged 16-17 with complex needs
Who Can Apply
Suits semi-independent and supported accommodation providers with experience of looked-after young people, care leavers or separated migrant children. The framework was awarded in 2025 to 75 suppliers and has since been reopened to new applicants, so check with Essex County Council whether a reopening window is open before preparing a bid.
Buyer Benefits
The council needs suitable, safe placements quickly, often at short notice, and in or near Essex. It values providers with strong safeguarding, Ofsted registration where required, clear outcomes for young people moving towards independence, and pricing that stays within an agreed rate structure.
Next Steps
Ask Essex County Council's procurement team, or check Find a Tender, whether a reopening window for new applicants is open and when it closes. Decide which lots match your properties and staff, and prepare evidence of safeguarding, staff training, outcomes for young people and property standards. With quality worth 56% at award, put most effort into the technical response, alongside a social value offer for Essex.
How Athena Can Help
Reopening windows are short, and a 56% technical weighting means quality answers decide the result. Athena's framework onboarding team can match your service to the right lots, write the application and check its compliance before the deadline.
Our bid writing specialists turn safeguarding practice and outcomes for young people into evidence that scores, and our social value bid support helps you build commitments that mean something to Essex County Council and the young people it places.
