Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) has published a notice for its Children's Homes Solution framework (001322), valued at £1.08 billion (including VAT) over eight years. This framework is designed to transform how public sector contracting authorities commission residential care placements for children and young people – moving away from spot-purchasing individual placements towards the commissioning of entire children's homes operating in a family-style setting. For providers of children's residential care, this is a rare opportunity to access a high-value, long-duration framework serving multiple commissioning authorities through a single procurement process.
The full notice is available on the Find a Tender Service. If you are considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe for a no-obligation assessment of your suitability.
What Makes This Framework Distinctive
The delivery model sets this framework apart from standard children's services procurement. Rather than commissioning individual placements reactively, participating authorities will be able to commission whole homes operated in a family-style environment. This shift reflects a broader policy direction towards smaller, more homely settings that support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential care. Providers with experience of, or investment in, this type of provision will be well-placed to respond.
The eight-year term and the scale of the financial envelope offer both stability and genuine growth potential for successful providers – particularly given the breadth of commissioning authorities that can access the framework through YPO.
Bidding Considerations for Children's Residential Care Providers
- Scope and service model: This framework is specifically for residential care of children and young people in whole-home, family-style settings. Providers should carefully review the CPV codes and full specification to confirm alignment with their existing provision or planned developments.
- Evidence of outcomes: Evaluators will want to see demonstrated ability to achieve positive outcomes for young people in residential settings. Case studies showing sustained, child-centred delivery will be essential.
- Long-term sustainability: The eight-year duration requires robust operational, financial, and workforce sustainability plans. Authorities want partners, not short-term suppliers.
- Lot structure: Review any lot breakdown carefully, as this may reflect geographic areas, age ranges, or need types. Targeting specific lots where your provision is strongest will give you the best chance of success. YPO's framework processes are consistent and well-documented – our YPO bid writing guide explains what to expect.
Quick Facts
- Framework value: £1,080,000,000 (including VAT)
- Authority: Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO)
- Duration: 8 years
- Scope: Whole-home, family-style children's residential care
- Route to market: Framework agreement
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 24 July 2026
This is a significant opportunity for children's residential care providers to secure a long-term position within a framework serving multiple commissioning authorities. Begin by reviewing your service models for alignment with whole-home provision, and build a compelling evidence base around outcomes for young people. Get in touch with Thornton & Lowe for expert bid support tailored to this framework.
