Visual Impairment Outreach Services

Description

The London Borough of Enfield (the 'contracting authority') is awarding a contract to Learning in Harmony Trust to provide a Visual Impairment Outreach Service for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years who have a visual impairment. Under the contract, the successful supplier shall provide resources and training to support schools, colleges, and families to meet the needs of these visually impaired children and young people, ensuring equal educational opportunities (please refer to the Specifications for further information). The contract shall aim to deliver a responsive, high-quality Visual Impairment Outreach Service that employs people with the qualifications and expertise required to support children and young people, schools, and families. This contract award is being made following the completion of the procurement process that the contracting authority undertook as advertised on 14 April 2026 under Tender notice - Procurement Act 2023 - Notice identifier 2026/S 000-033952. The duration of the contract will be for an initial two (2) years with the option to extend up to a further one (1) year plus another one (1) year (total 4 years), subject to the supplier's performance and at the full discretion of the contracting authority, and subject to a lawful termination in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Contract and budget availability. The estimated value of this contract is £701,434.00 (excluding VAT and any indexations that might be agreed) over the full life of 4 years, including optional extensions. Further details are found within the Contract. The procurement is run as a one-stage process via an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. It is classified as a Light Touch Service, in accordance with Schedule 1 of the regulations. Nevertheless, the contracting authority is incorporating a voluntary standstill period of eight (8) working days, commencing the day on which this Contract Award Notice is published. The Visual Impairment Outreach Service is a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010, with delivery guided by the SEND Code of Practice. It shall therefore provide specialist support to visually impaired children and young people aged 0-25 years, enabling them to access the educational curriculum alongside their peers. The service shall also include direct outreach, training for school staff, family support, and integration with other SEND services. Provision must be available for Enfield's children and young people, including visits to educational establishments outside of Enfield's boundary if a child or young person should attend one of these, and also within independent educational establishments if the child or young person has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). The service is shaped by both national policy and Enfield Council's SEND strategy, with all operations underpinned by safeguarding and best practice standards. The Contracting Authority is expecting that the Service is driven by a commitment to improving outcomes, achieving value for money, and complying with statutory duties. The contracting authority will manage the contract robustly to ensure the Service meets its stated requirements and continuous improvements are achieved.