Children and Families Support Services Open Framework
Framework Description
The Children and Families Support Services Open Framework is run by the London Borough of Hackney's Children and Families Service. It buys structured interventions such as mentoring, parenting assessments and crisis support across four lots, with an estimated value of £5.8 million excluding VAT. It is due to run from 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2030, with an option to extend for one year to 1 November 2031.
Context & Use Case
Hackney is the only authority that can use the framework, buying services for children, young people and families in the borough. Call-offs are made by mini-competition or direct award, and a supplier can win places on all four lots. Lots 1 to 3 were scored 70% quality and 30% price at tender, while Lot 4 was scored entirely on quality.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: positive and structured activities, with one-to-one support for confidence, engagement and emotional wellbeing Lot 2: specialist mentoring support towards specific, measurable goals Lot 3: community-based parenting assessments, often court-mandated Lot 4: crisis intervention and specialist support for families with urgent needs or at high risk
Lots
Lot 1: Positive / Structured Activities; Lot 2: Specialist Mentoring Support; Lot 3: Community-Based Parenting Assessments; Lot 4: Crisis Intervention and Specialist Support
Who Can Apply
Voluntary, community and independent sector organisations already delivering the same or similar services, with two references from similar contracts. Lot 3 assessment reports must be written by qualified social workers or educational psychologists with at least five years' experience. The first tender round closed on 31 July 2026; as an open framework, it can reopen to new providers during its term.
Buyer Benefits
Four specialist lots let Hackney match each referral to the right type of help, from structured activities to court-directed assessments, without tendering every case. With no cap on provider numbers and the option of direct award, social workers can place urgent crisis cases quickly, and mini-competitions keep quality and price under review for larger packages.
Next Steps
The award decision was expected around 6 October 2026, so successful providers should get ready for call-offs from 2 November 2026. Others should watch London Tenders and Find a Tender notice 057389-2026 for the framework reopening, and build evidence of current delivery, references and, for Lot 3, qualified assessors in the meantime.
How Athena Can Help
Places on this framework depend on proving current delivery and showing quality in call-offs. If you are appointed, Athena's bid writing for care providers helps you answer Hackney's mini-competitions with clear outcomes, safeguarding and pricing.
If you missed the first round, our framework application support prepares your references, policies and lot responses before it reopens, and our bid/no-bid advice helps you decide which of the four lots suit your service.
