Regulation 44
Bradford Children and Families Trust, the local authority children’s social care organisation, is seeking a single provider to deliver an independent visitor service for its registered children’s homes under Regulation 44 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. The service currently covers nine homes in the Bradford District, requiring at least 108 visits annually, although the number of homes and visits may change during the contract. The provider must conduct announced or unannounced visits at varied times, assess care quality, safeguarding, welfare, leadership, records and premises, engage children and relevant stakeholders, and produce timely evidence-based reports meeting statutory and Ofsted requirements, including findings, concerns and recommended actions. The anticipated term is three years, from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2030, with an optional 12-month extension to 31 January 2031, and a maximum total value of £240,000 excluding VAT. The critical personnel requirement is that staff delivering the service hold Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, alongside demonstrated technical ability and compliance with insurance, data protection and health and safety requirements.
Buyer: Bradford Children & Families Trust. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 25 Sept 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £240k
- Bids close: 23 Oct 2026
- Location: Yorkshire and The Humber, Bradford
- Procedure: Below threshold - open competition
- Contract period: 1 Feb 2027 to 31 Mar 2030
- Category: Social work and related services (85300000)
From the official notice
Bradford Children and Families Trust (BCFT) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced provider to deliver an Independent Visitor Service in accordance with Regulation 44 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. The service will provide independent monthly visits to BCFT’s registered children’s homes within the Bradford District. The current requirement covers nine registered children’s homes, equating to a minimum of 108 visits per year. The number of homes may change during the contract term in line with the Trust’s service requirements. The Independent Visitor will be required to assess the quality of care provided, consider whether children are effectively safeguarded, review how each home promotes children’s welfare and wellbeing, and provide independent scrutiny of leadership, management, practice, records and the physical environment. The successful provider will be expected to engage meaningfully with children and young people, staff, managers, families and relevant professionals, ensuring that children’s views, wishes, feelings and lived experiences are captured and reflected within Regulation 44 reporting. Visits may be announced or unannounced and should take place at varied times, including evenings, weekends and school holidays where appropriate. Following each visit, the provider will produce timely, evidence-based Regulation 44 reports that meet statutory and Ofsted requirements. Reports must identify strengths, areas for improvement, safeguarding ...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 23 Oct 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £240k.
Who can apply?
Any supplier that meets the buyer's requirements can apply. Check the official notice for conditions.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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