Invitation to Tender

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN CENTER SERVICES

Issue Date: 20/01/2014

Return Date: 19/02/2014

North West Leicestershire District CouncilCouncil OfficesCoalvilleLE67 3FJ

Contact: Katrina Dipple

NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING (WHISTLEBLOWING) POLICY

Summary Guidance Note

1. INTRODUCTION

The Council is opposed to all forms of fraud, corruption and malpractice whether arising from within or outside the Council or from Contractors. If Employees, Members, Contractors or Suppliers have any concerns about suspected malpractice, the Council encourages them to raise the issue. The Management of the Council will take your concerns seriously and wishes to encourage you to report any suspected fraud or corruption.

This policy:

Provides the basis on which employees, Members, contractors or suppliers can raise any such concerns they may have, and receive feedback on action taken

Allows employees, Members, contractors and suppliers to take matters further if they are dissatisfied with the Council’s response

Applies to all Employees of the Council Applies to all Members of the Council Applies to Contractors working for the Council on Council premises Applies to Suppliers and service providers under a contract with the Council Applies to people working in partnership with the Council (e.g. volunteers)

1.1 Employees, Members, contractors, suppliers are often the first to realise that there may be something seriously wrong within the Council. However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or the Council, or harm their chances of future business. They may also fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances it may be easier to ignore the concern rather than report what may just be a suspicion of malpractice.

1.2 The Council recognises that employees, Members, contractors and suppliers who raise concerns are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and / or this Policy and may be eligible to compensation if they subsequently suffer victimisation, discrimination or disadvantage.

This document provides a summary of the Councils ‘Confidential Reporting Policy’. A copy of the full policy is available on the Internet: http://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/corporate_policies.

2. AIMS AND SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

1

2.1 This policy aims to: • encourage all to feel confident in raising concerns and to question and act

upon your concerns • provide avenues for all to raise those concerns and receive feedback on

any action taken • ensure that you receive a response to your concerns and that you are

aware of how to pursue them if you are not satisfied • reassure you that you will be protected from possible reprisals or

victimisation if you have a reasonable belief that you have made any disclosure in good faith.

• provide an avenue for members of the public to raise concerns (2.2 of full Policy) which would not be considered under the council’s formal Complaints Procedure

3. SAFEGUARDS - Harassment or Victimisation

3.1 The Council recognises that the decision to report a concern can be a difficult one to make. If what you are saying is true, you should have nothing to fear because you will be doing your duty to your employer, customer, and those for whom you are providing a service.

3.2 The Council will not tolerate any harassment or victimisation (including informal pressures) and we will take appropriate action to protect you when you raise a concern in good faith.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY

4.1 All concerns will be treated in confidence and every effort will be made not to reveal your identity if you so wish. At the appropriate time, however, you may need to come forward as a witness.

5. UNTRUE ALLEGATIONS

5.1 If you make an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against you. If, however, you make an allegation frivolously, maliciously or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against you.

6. HOW TO RAISE A CONCERN

6.1 Advice and guidance on how to pursue matters of concern may be obtained from the Council’s nominated contact points who are:

• Chief Executive: CHRISTINE.FISHER@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

2

Telephone 01530 454500

• Monitoring Officer: MONITORINGOFFICER@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Telephone 01530 454762

• Deputy Section 151 Officer: PRITESH.PADANIYA@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Telephone 01530 454707

• Senior Auditor: ANNA.WRIGHT@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Telephone 01530 454728

6.2 Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing, to any of the above named individuals. If raising your concern in writing, address to the named individual at the:Council OfficesNorth West Leicestershire District Council Whitwick RoadCoalvilleLeicsLE67 3FJClearly mark the envelope “Confidential”If you wish to make a written report you are invited to use the following format:

• The background and history of the concern (giving relevant dates); • The reason why you are particularly concerned about the situation.

7. HOW THE COUNCIL WILL RESPOND

7.1 In order to protect individuals and those accused of misdeeds or possible malpractice, initial enquiries will be made to decide whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take. The overriding principle which the Council will have in mind is the public interest. Concerns or allegations which fall within the scope of specific procedures (for example, misconduct or discrimination issues) will normally be referred for consideration under those procedures.

7.2 Where appropriate, the matters raised may: • be investigated internally by the Council • be referred to the police • be referred to the external auditor • form the subject of an independent enquiry.

3

8. HOW THE MATTER CAN BE TAKEN FURTHER

8.1 This policy is intended to provide you with an avenue within the Council to raise concerns. The Council hopes you will be satisfied with any action taken. If you are not, and if you feel it is right to take the matter outside the Council, the following are possible contact points:

• The Audit Commission (special telephone line – 0845 0522 646) • Your trade union • Your local Citizens Advice Bureau • Relevant professional bodies or regulatory organisations • A relevant voluntary organisation (Public Concern at Work – 020 7404

6609) • The police

8.2 If you take the matter outside the Council, you should ensure that you do not disclose confidential information. Check with one of the Council’s nominated contact points about that. (See full policy, 6.1 above).

A/ASG July 2003 Reviewed Jan 2005 Reviewed Nov 2005 Revised Jan 2006 Revised Dec 2006 Reviewed Dec 2007 Revised March 2008Reviewed May 2009Revised July 2010

4

Invitation to Tender for:

CHILDREN CENTER SERVICES.

Comprising

1. Introduction2. Instructions to Tenderers3. Specification4. Conditions of Contract5. Business Questionnaire6. Form of Tender

Date of Invitation to Tender: 20/01/2014Tender return date: 19/02/2014

5

Part One

Introduction

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN CENTER SERVICES

January 2014

1 Introduction

1.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1.1 Tenders are invited for the provision of Sure Start Children Centre Services.

1.1.2 The Council’s detailed requirements are detailed in Part 3 the Specification.

BACKGROUND TO THE BUSINESS REQUIREMENT

The Council is inviting potential service providers to tender for a new Sure Start Children Centres contract to commence in April 2014 for a period of 12 months.

North West Leicestershire has taken the decision to procure the Sure Start Children Centre Services via an open procurement procedure. This will entail bidders completing both a business questionnaire and an invitation to tender document.

1.2.2 The contract will be broken into eight lots, with each lot covering a specific service. The lots are:

Lot Number ServiceLot 1 Parent EngagementLot 2 Early Years Learning ActivitiesLot 3 Parental Mental HealthLot 4 Communication and LanguageLot 5 Home visiting family supportLot 6 Debt AdviceLot 7 Ages and Stages Lot 8 Domestic Abuse

The maximum value of each lot is:

Lot Number Service ValueLot 1 Parent Engagement £25,000.00Lot 2 Early Years Learning Activities £42,000.00Lot 3 Parental Mental Health £9,000.00Lot 4 Communication and Language £30,000.00Lot 5 Home visiting family support £38,000.00Lot 6 Debt Advice £25.000.00Lot 7 Ages and Stages £40,000.00 Lot 8 Domestic Abuse £33,000.00

As with many other services and sectors the future funding situation for Children's Centres in North West Leicestershire is somewhat unknown. At this stage we are working to the budgets published in this document, however it is possible that these

7

forecasts will change between now and the end of March 2014. Should there be a change to the anticipated budget allocation, NWLDC will let you know and consult with successful applicants as to varying the scale or nature of the provision; including possible termination.

Please would you highlight which lots you are bidding in your submission.

8

Part Two

Instructions to Tenderers

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN CENTRE SERVICES

January 2014

2 General Information Instructions to Tenderers

2.1 Definitions

Please see section 4 Conditions of Contract

2.2 Compliance with Instructions:Tenders submitted shall be in accordance with and subject to the terms of these instructions and other documents comprising the Invitation to Tender.Tenders not complying with any mandatory requirement (where the word “shall” or “must” is used) will be rejected.Any queries about the tender documents or Tendering Certificate which may affect the preparation of the tender shall be raised without delay (via Delta Vault) with the Contact Officer. If the Council considers a query may have a material effect on the tendering process, all tenderers will be notified without delay in writing.

2.2.1 This invitation to tender does not constitute an offer and the Council does not undertake to accept the lowest or any tender.Tenderers shall bear their own costs of submitting a tender. The Council will not reimburse any tendering costs.

2.2.2 The Contact Officer for this procurement is: Katrina Dipple, Locality Partnership Coordinator.

2.3 Confidential Nature of Tender Documentation and Bids2.3.1 Tenderers shall not discuss the bid they intend to make other than with

professional advisers or joint bidders who need to be consulted. Bids shall not be canvassed for acceptance or discussed with the media or any other tenderer or member or officer of the Council.

2.3.2 If a tenderer does not observe paragraph 2.3.1, the Council may reject the tender and decide not to invite the tenderer to tender for future work.

2.4 Preparation of Bid2.4.1 Tenderers may decline to bid, but if they have been sent an Invitation to Tender

they must alert the Contact Officer promptly of their intention not to bid.2.4.2 If the Council considers that a cover price (i.e. a bid that is not intended to be

considered seriously) has been submitted, the Council may reject the tender and may decide not to invite the tenderer to tender for future work. The Office of Fair Trading encourages local authorities to look out for any evidence of price fixing arrangements.

2.4.3 No alteration or addition shall be made to the Form of Tender, pricing schedules or any part of the Invitation to Tender except where expressly permitted by the Council.

2.4.4 Tenders must not be qualified in any way and tenderers must not make any changes to the contract documents. Tenders must not be conditional or be accompanied by any statement that could be construed as being a qualification or

10

variation to the contract documents and/or places the tenderer on a different footing from other tenderers. The Council will only accept compliant tenders for consideration. The Council’s decision on any such matter will be final.

2.4.5 Tenderers must obtain for themselves all information necessary for the preparation of their tender and satisfy themselves that the quality and standards specified by themselves or the Council are appropriate. Information supplied to tenderers by the Council’s staff or contained in the Council’s publications is supplied only for general guidance in the preparation of the tender. Tenderers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any such information and no responsibility is accepted by the Council for any loss or damage of whatever kind and howsoever caused arising from the use by tenderers of such information.

2.4.6 Tenders and supporting documents must be completed in English and any contract subsequently entered into and its formation, interpretation and performance shall be subject to and in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

2.4.7 The Invitation to Tender includes in Part 4 the Council’s Contract Terms.2.4.8 Tenders must be submitted exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).2.4.9 Tenderers will be required to maintain Employers Liability insurance, Public

Liability insurance and Professional Indemnity insurance and tenders should include any and all such premiums. The minimum amount of financial cover for the Employers and Public Liability policies shall be £5 million and for Professional Indemnity insurance shall be £2 Million and shall be maintained for the duration of the contract.

2.4.10 Tenderers will be automatically disqualified if canvassing for the Contract or if making any approach to any Councillor or Officer of the Council with a view to gaining more favourable consideration for their tender. The Council’s constitution will apply to this contract.

2.4.11 The Council reserves the right to make changes of a drafting nature to the contract documentation and any such changes shall be accepted by any tenderer without reservation. Should the Council require more substantial changes to the contract documentation, then the Council reserves the right to make such changes and will be entitled to evaluate the price of any such changes using submitted prices applied on a quantum merit basis. Should the tenderer not agree the revised price structure, they may withdraw notwithstanding these instructions.

3 Submission of Tender3.1 Requirements for submission of information:

3.1.1 All submissions shall be made on the Form of Tender (Part 6) and be accompanied by the response to the Specification (Part 3). If these documents are not submitted, the bid will be rejected. Only information relating to the Tenderer should be submitted unless otherwise requested. Every item shall be priced in sterling and the submission totalled.

3.1.2 To enable evaluation of the tender, the tenderer must also submit the following documents: The Business Questionnaire (Part 5) and accompanying documentation The Pricing Schedule (6.2)

11

Tender Responses (6.3) The Tendering Certificate

3.1.3 Tenderers shall complete and submit the above documentation via the BiP Vault system.

3.2 Tenders must be completed and submitted by the due date of 19/02/2014

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will tenders be accepted which arrive after the due date and time for receipt. It is the tenderer’s responsibility to ensure arrival on time.

3.3 The information and documents for this tender will be accessible at the following website http://www.delta-ets.com. To be able to access these documents you will firstly need to register your company details and thereafter you will be issued with a USERNAME and PASSWORD. If you have already registered with Delta previously, please follow the link shown and click on the 'Delta-ets Home' tab instead. This will redirect you to the home page where you can log on using your existing username and password to collect the tender documents.

3.4 You must then log into Delta-ets and then click on the Vault tab, you will then automatically view the tender title, click on this link and you will be taken to the tender documents. Please check that you are able to access these online ITT documents, if you are experiencing problems, then please contact the Delta helpdesk @ helpdesk@delta-ets.com or call 0845 270 7050 for further assistance. 

3.5 If you have registered and have forgotten your Username and Password, please click on the forgotten password link on the Delta-ets homepage.

3.6 Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time when responding to this invitation prior to the closing date and time. If you are uploading multiple documents you will have to individually load one document at a time or you can opt to zip all the documents in an application like WinZip or WinRar.

3.7 Please keep this USERNAME and PASSWORD secure, and do not pass it to any third parties.

3.8 Tenders to be uploaded to BIP Delta-ets Vault by no later than 5pm on the 19/02/2014

3.9 The deadline for potential tenders to raise questions is 12/02/2014. All

questions need to be submitted via BIP Delta-ets Vault. The deadline for the Council to respond to all questions is 17/02/2014

3.10 If there appears to be an error in a submission or supporting information the Tenderer will be invited to confirm or withdraw its bid. Where the error relates to the tender total as calculated from tendered rates and variable quantities,

12

the bid will be regarded as the tender total bid and the rate adjusted accordingly. The tenderer will be invited to confirm or withdraw the bid and resulting rate.

3.11 The Form of Tender shall be submitted by the organisation which it is proposed will enter into a formal contract with the Council if awarded the contract. It shall be signed:

3.11.1 Where the tenderer is a partnership, by two (2) duly authorised partners;

3.11.2 Where the tenderer is a company, by two (2) directors or by a director and the secretary of the company, such persons being duly authorised for that purpose;

3.11.3 Where the tenderer is a sole trader, by the sole trader themselves;3.14.4 Where the tenderer is another legal form, please contact the Contact

Officer for further details.

4. Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations

4.1 It is the preliminary view of the Council that Transfer of Undertakings (protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) may apply to this service, and that one or more employees may therefore potentially transfer to the employ of the incoming Service Providers

4.2 TUPE provides that where there is a transfer of an undertaking, the new employer takes over any employment liabilities and the responsibility for the employment contracts of the employees, who then transfer on their previous terms and conditions of service. A successful tenderer may be a potential transferee for the purposes of TUPE. It is therefore the sole responsibility of the Tenderer to have taken all appropriate legal advice as to whether TUPE is likely to apply to the Contract, and to ensure that the prices tendered reflect the financial implications of a TUPE transfer.

4.3 The Council is procuring the Service and is not in a position to make warranties in relation to any aspect of TUPE of any sort of the tenderer. Specifically, the Council does not warrant that there will be sufficient existing employees in a position to transfer without relying on other resources, and nor can the Council warrant that such existing employees will be willing to transfer to such tenderer. The Council will therefore evaluate the ability to tenderers to demonstrate in their tender submissions, that they have sufficient staff resources with the relevant qualifications and expertise to carry out the Service, or adequate recruitment and training programmes in place to ensure full staff for the delivery of the Service, without having to rely on a transfer of employees under TUPE.

4.4 Tenderers are reminded that North West Leicestershire District Council will not beliable for any costs or liabilities incurred by tenderers in connection with their compliance or failure to comply with the requirements of TUPE.

13

4.5 Tenderers will shortly be provided with current workforce information. The council cannot warrant that the information is accurate or complete, but advises tenderers that it has been provided by the current service providers and is provided on a without prejudice basis.

5 Open Selection Criteria5.1 Prior to evaluation of the submitted tenders, the Business Questionnaire at

Section 5 is will be assessed to ensure that it is fully completed and that responses meet the standards required by the Council.

5.2 The Business Questionnaire issued to assess the suitability of tenderers in terms of:

Technical and professional ability Compliance with legislation Financial standing

4.3 Details of the criteria and weightings used to score responses to the questionnaire are included on pages 63 & 64 for your information.

Tenderers must achieve a pass for all pass/fail questions and a score a minimum pass mark of 90. Failure to do so may result in your bid being disqualified.

6 Award Criteria6.1 Any tender that is accepted will be awarded to the most economically

advantageous tender in accordance with the following award criteria in descending order of importance:-

Price 40% Quality 60%

This part of the contract documents forms the basis on which tenders and tenderers will be assessed in respect of their ability to provide the service required on the terms specified.

6.2 Tenderers should ensure that their submissions are written in plain English without reference to technical jargon or with explanation where used; and is generally intelligible to a non-legal and non-technical audience.

6.3 Financial Provision

Tenderers will make financial allowance for the provision of all monitoring data, its collation, generation and submission to the Council, attendance at all relevant Council Meetings, Officer Meetings and meetings with local client representatives and customers as required for the provision of service.

14

6.3.1 Rates provided shall be fully inclusive of all expenses and disbursements including telephone, fax, electronic information, generation and transmission, postage, stationery, duplicating, typing, printing and any costs associated with non-professional staff.

6.3.2 Service providers not complying with any of the above requirements may be excluded from further consideration in the tender evaluation process, and the Council’s decision on this issue will be notified to the tenderers concerned.

6.4 Detailed Evaluation Criteria

The Council believes that the control of services and service delivery characteristics can only be achieved by close control of the process that delivers the service.

6.4.1 Process performance management, control and continual redress improvement are therefore essential to achieve and maintain quality service. The Council intends to encourage innovative thought from the successful contractor. Whilst remedial action is sometimes possible during service delivery, it is not possible to rely on arms-length final inspection process to ensure service quality to our customers. A bad service experience cannot be repaired on a promise of non-reoccurrence in the future.

6.4.2 The Council’s customers are the focal point of its quality systems. We require our services to be tailored to the different local needs and customer satisfaction will only be assured where there is a definable quality process. Therefore the contractor will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a policy of service, quality and customer satisfaction.

6.4.3 The criteria listed against each element reflect the factors that will be assessed in evaluating the tenders and awarding marks.

6.5 Financial Evaluation

6.5.1 The tenderer who submits the lowest priced bid will receive the full weighting available for the financial evaluation, being 40%.

6.5.2 The other tenderers will be scored as against the lowest priced bid. A bid which is more expensive than the lowest priced bid, will receive a weighting reduced by the proportion they exceed the lowest priced bid.

6.5.3 For example, a bid which is 10% more expensive than the lowest priced bid will receive 36%: 10% of 40% is 4%, so 40% is reduced by 4% to give 36%.

6.5.4 Abnormally low bids and abnormally high bids distort evaluation of tenders and where the Council considers a bid to fall into one of these categories, the tenderer will be asked to clarify and explain their bid (in accordance with the Public

15

Contracts Regulations 2006).

6.5.5 Bids received that are above maximum values (see 1.1.2) may be scored zero for the price element and will not be considered further.

6.6 Qualitative Evaluation

The qualitative evaluation of submissions will be weighted as illustrated in the table below (a response :

Question Section Maximum Score per Question 5

Weighting Maximum Points Available

1 Overview 5 3 152 Previous Experience 5 3 153 Details of Activities 5 3 154 Organisation of Activities 5 3 155 Meeting Outcomes 5 3 156 Numbers to be reached 5 2 107 Parental Involvement 5 3 15

100

The maximum points attributable to any one submission in the quality evaluation model are 100

The qualitative assessment will form 60% of the award.

The scoring methodology is set out in Table 2 below. Table 2 – Scoring Methodology

Assessment Score

Very Poor – either no answer is provided or the answer completely fails to demonstrate that any of the Council’s key requirements in the area being measured will be delivered

0

Poor – provides only limited assurance that the Council’s requirements in the area being measured will be delivered 1Barely Adequate – demonstrates how some of the Council’s requirements in the area being measured will be delivered so as to provide a basic service that will be reasonably responsive to the needs of residents, the Council and other stakeholders 2

Satisfactory – demonstrates how most of the Council’s

16

requirements in the area being measured will be delivered so as to provide an acceptable service that will mostly be responsive to the needs of residents, the Council and other stakeholders

3

Good - demonstrates how all of the Council’s requirements in the area being measured will be delivered so as to provide a good service that will be responsive to the needs of residents, the Council and other stakeholders 4

Very Good - demonstrates clearly how all of the Council’s requirements in the area being measured will be fully delivered so as to deliver an excellent service that will be highly responsive to the needs of residents, the Council and other stakeholders 5

Failure to score a minimum of 3 for all questions may result in the bid being disqualified.

7. Award Process7.1 The Council expects to decide award of contract within 90 days of the closing date

for submission of tenders (see paragraph 3.2). Bids shall remain open for acceptance for a minimum of 90 days.

7.2 The Council may, if necessary, extend the 90-day period for completing the award process.

7.3 Tenderers will be notified simultaneously and as soon as possible of any decision made by the Council during the tender process, including award. When the Council has evaluated the bids, it will notify all tenderers about the intended award.

7.4 The Council generally debriefs all those who tendered about the characteristics and relative advantages of the leading bidder. Such details may also be stated in any published contract award notice.

7.5 Tenders shall be submitted on the basis that the offer to carry out the service shall remain in force for a minimum period of 90 days from the closing date for the submission of tenders specified above (3.2). If the Council has not accepted the tender within this period, the tender shall remain in force without variation but may be withdrawn at any time thereafter, giving 7 days notice to the Council. Such notice must be delivered at the above address at the tenderers own risk.

7.5 Acceptance of the tender by the Council shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the tenderer. Upon such acceptance the Contract shall thereby be constituted and become binding on both parties.

7.6 In submitting a tender, the tenderer undertakes that in the event of their tender being accepted by the Council they shall, within 14 days of being requested to do so by the Council, execute a formal contract consisting of the contract documents.

7.7 Failure by the tenderer to execute a formal contract should they be awarded the contract within the time specified above shall render the contract voidable at the option of the Council.

8 Tenderers WarrantiesIn submitting its tender, the tenderer warrants, represents and undertakes to the

17

Council that:8.1 All information, representations and other matters of fact communicated (whether

in writing or otherwise) to the Council by the tenderer, its staff or agents, in connection with or arising out of the tender are true, complete and accurate in all respects, both as at the date communicated and as at the date of tender submission.

8.2 It has made its own investigations and research and has satisfied itself in respect of all matters (whether actual or contingent) relating to the tender and that it has not submitted the tender and will not be entering into the contract (if the same be awarded to the tenderer by the Council) in reliance upon any information, representation or assumption which may have been made by or on behalf of the Council.

8.3 It has full power and authority to enter into the contract and perform the obligations specified in the Contract Documents and will, if requested, produce evidence of such to the Council.

8.4 It is of sound financial standing and has and will have sufficient working capital, skilled staff, equipment and other resources available to it to perform the obligations specified in the Contract Documents.

18

Part Three

Specification

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDRE CENTRE SERVICES

JANUARY 2014

19

3 Specification

This section sets out the Council’s core requirements for its children centre services.

3.1 Background

The Leicestershire Sure Start Children’s Centres are a targeted service aimed at improving outcomes for children 0-5. It is an ‘early help’ service that is concerned with:

Prevention - i.e. working with universal colleagues to ensure problems do not arise/develop in the first place.

Early Intervention - for those families with additional needs or vulnerabilities/risk factors. The Centres seek to tackle emerging difficulties and problems at the earliest point possible; delivering interventions to support families to get back on track.

Children’s Centres offer significant opportunities for improving children’s outcomes and ensuring that families are able to access the information, support and services they need to help their child to thrive and achieve their full potential. The primary focus of the Children’s Centres is to support parents in the early years of a child’s life including pre-birth; our emphasis is on:

Families with additional needs or vulnerabilities/ risk factors (see table below)

Narrowing the gap for those children most at risk of poor outcomes Raising aspiration and addressing intergenerational disadvantage Addressing inequalities in health well-being and attainment The engagement of parents to increase knowledge, parenting skills, Confidence and to build resilience Keeping children at the centre of all intervention

North West Leicestershire

The following information is intended to offer support to all those considering making an application.

North West Leicestershire (NWL) is more affected by socio-economic deprivation than Leicestershire as a whole with 3.5% of the population living in neighbourhoods that have been classified as the most deprived nationally. Whilst this is higher than the value for Leicestershire it is well below the national average of 20% of people.

20

NWL has a number of priority neighbourhoods. These are Coalville, Thringston, Whitwick Greenhill, Ashby and Measham, Ibstock, Moira and Castle Donington. There is a fairly distinctive division of wealth with Ashby de la Zouch attracting wealthier households while Coalville houses more blue collar households. The majority of the district is rural. The majority of households in NWL are White British. There is no dominant ethnic minority group.

There are 5,477 0-4 year olds living in NWL NWL has higher than County average of 0-4 year olds living in income

deprived households. 14.1% against County average of 12.1% (Sept 2013)

NWL has 690 (9.1%) families benefiting from the childcare element of Working Tax Credit

NWL has 2110 (38.5%) of 0-4 year olds living in rural households

The application should demonstrate how the service will engage with these targeted children and families and sustain their engagement.

Please find below a number of key web-links that you should be aware of and familiar with:

Ofsted Framework for Children’s Centre Inspectionshttp://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-childrens-centre-inspection-april-2013

Foundation yearshttp://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

Leicestershire & Rutland Safeguarding Children’s Board:http://www.lrlscb.org/

This is a great opportunity to deliver high quality services for children aged 0 – 5yrs and their families on behalf of Sure Start Children Centres, North West Leicestershire. We would be particularly interested in services that focus on supporting the most vulnerable families and identification of how this will be achieved. We are looking for organisations who can demonstrate understanding of the needs and issues affecting the local community and have good partnership links with local agencies.

Giving every child the best start in life is crucial to reducing inequalities in life course. The foundations for practically every facet of a child’s development; physical, intellectual and emotional are established in early childhood. What happens during these early years (starting in the before birth) has lifelong effects on many aspects of health and well-being, educational achievement and economic status.

21

Universal and targeted services for children are important in promoting positive outcomes of all children and reducing inequalities through targeted intervention for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families. There is considerable research which highlights the economic and social value of prevention and early intervention programmes in pregnancy and the early years.

All commissioned services will be expected to work in partnership with the core team and other agencies, as appropriate.

North West Leicestershire Children’s Centres are aiming to achieve an Ofsted inspection grade of ‘good’ or above at the time of next inspection. As a commissioned provision we expect providers monitor outcomes for their service. Providers are required to understand the value of quality improvement and consider how best to create, maintain and improve provision in order to offer the highest quality experiences for children and their families

Records to be kept evidencing group and individual observations, linking with individual children’s learning journeys. Evidence of supporting improved outcomes for individual children and their families will be provided to the centres in the form of case studies. Providers shall ensure that the voice of the child forms part of the monitoring of services delivery.

Annual targets and milestones are set each year with a quarterly monitoring to ensure the project remains on track for delivery. Outcomes will link to a service wide approach to evaluation and measuring impact including, parenting increase in confidence and coping abilities, the application of skills and knowledge, a reported positive impact on parents/child, for example. Registration forms for those children who are identified as not registered with the Children’s Centres will take place on the family’s first attendance. Evidence of attendance at the sessions will be requested as part of the contract management process.

Providers who wish to be considered, must be able to demonstrate that they have (or will have): Workforce capability to deliver services as described within the service specification from 1st April 2014 and robust governance systems in place with key services that are consistent with best practice.

Providers will identify and support children and families who have particular needs or circumstances which make them more vulnerable to poor outcomes, forexample:

Teenage mothers and young fathers Lone parents Minority ethnic groups, Disabled children and children with special educational needs Looked after children Service families Families of prisoners

22

Families where there are parental drug and alcohol problems, domestic abuse in the home, parental mental health problems or a poor home-learning environment

Families living in rural isolation

Are you a voluntary sector applicant in need of support?

Voluntary Action Leicestershire offers free, confidential and impartial advice to voluntary and community groups completing tenders or funding applications. They are able to review draft tender submissions, offer advice on structuring your bid and advise and facilitate a consortium approach. To access this service call their Helpline 0116 2575050 or email helpline@valonline.org.uk

3.2 Lot 1 – Parental Engagement

Parental involvement has been a feature of Sure Start Children’s Centres from the beginning although it is acknowledged that some Centres have been more community orientated and taken a more comprehensive approach to volunteering and parental engagement than others. There is a long history of parental involvement in early years services, with many of the first playgroups set up by groups of parents and grandparents responding to lack of services in their area. Parental engagement is beneficial to parents and children, with parents able to spend time with their children in a positive learning environment, as well as developing their skills and allowing them to engage further in the community.

Without volunteers many services we provide to our families would not be possible. Our ambition is for far higher levels of volunteering benefiting and strengthening NWL Children’s Centres, particularly to encourage people who up to now have had little time or reason to be involved with the Centres . We want the new service to play an important part in promoting the importance of parenting and Children’s Centres in NWL.

Volunteers are highly effective at taking the message of the Children’s Centre and what is on offer out to the community, but equally importantly they are able to use their experience and knowledge of the local area to help shape services, ensuring they were responsive to community needs. In some cases this process is capable of raising the ‘aspirations’ of communities. Interested community members can see practical ways in which they could get involved and help to shape their local services. Further, individuals are empowered to give ‘something back’ to their community which provides a strong sense of achievement and pride. This positive cycle is described as ‘infectious’ with the positive experiences of volunteers leading to greater interest in volunteering opportunities from others. (taken from Best Practice for a Sure Start)

The provider will develop a model to reach parents who are missing out on information about childcare and early learning activities because they do not know where to find it and are not engaged with local services or networks. The model will

23

look at engaging parents to become parent champions who will support in the parent voice of the children's Centres and also

work to build trust among local parents encourage parents to register with children’s centres and become

active users inform other parents about funded childcare opportunities, such as the

free early education entitlement for two, three and four-year-olds encourage parents to become actively involved with their Centre and

engage in decision making

Aims of the service:

Recruit, train and support volunteers and establish an accredited programme  

To take volunteering opportunities out into the community, raise their profile and reach new audiences including at venues where there is high footfall e.g. shopping centres, leisure centres and parks

Enable families to engage with to a broad range of opportunities. Support parents to run groups within their own Centres Strengthen parental understanding of Children's Centres Enabling parents to act as advocates To establish a network of peer advisors Engagement of Hard to Reach families in the CC community Encourage parent partnership with Centres Work closely with parent volunteer programme Develop further Parent Forums and strengthen the parental voice at

LPG Integrate the Parent Champion programme with the Parent volunteer

programme Organise events to encourage new families access CC services

Outputs for the service are

To reach at least 400 parents by the end of the 12 month delivery period;

That 33% (132) of these contacts be referred to local services (for example, family information service and children's centres)

That 8% (32) of the contacts will become parent champions. A minimum of 1 parent led group to be developed at each centre

Overall the outcomes for the project are that  Parents feel empowered to contribute to the decision making in the

centres Parents feel confident to support other parents access centres Increased access to children’s centres services; Improvements in parenting skills; Increased engagement in volunteering opportunities Development of friendships for parents, thereby decreasing social

isolation

24

Parents gain skills for the employment market  

3.2 Lot 2 – Early Years Learning Activities

Provision of fun, interactive early learning sessions to provide an opportunity for supporting and developing learning with parents as partners. The early learning activities seek to raise child and parents aspirations, offer learning activities and improve parenting skills. Activities will be an opportunity for families to try new activities, gain ideas for things to do at home and find out how these encourage their child’s development. The sessions will follow the interests of the children facilitating children and their family to play and make friends. There will be wide range of activities for the children and the adults to get involved with including creative activities, exploring the outdoors and music.

The aims of the early learning activities will be to:

Provide a welcome place for parents/carers and their children Offer support for parents/carers, signpost and/or referral on when

issues are more complex Parents are provided with the opportunity to interact with their children

through play in a stimulating environment Parents are offered easy and affordable ideas for play activities to

share with their child at home Offer activities in community venues to support rurally isolated families Be flexible and responsive, demonstrating excellent practice Promote and mirror best practice in all aspects of child development

and care, including play and learning, health promotion All families to offer a planned range of play and learning activities. Offer a broad range of activities appropriate to the development needs

of children, in line with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Provide a good quality enabling environment to support child

development and learning, to include indoor and outdoor environment Work with parents in facilitating opportunities for children to develop via

play based activities to improve Early Years Foundation stage outcomes

Work with Children’s Centre outreach staff and health colleagues to identify and tailor support for those children where developmental issues have been identified

Activities share and celebrate the progress and achievements of each individual child

All sessions to be planned and evaluated alongside EYFS and Ofsted requirements and quality assured, ensuring assessment is embedded into all activities.

The provider will engage in shared dialogue to support parents understanding of their child’s learning and experiences. Support, advice and positive affirmation will be

25

offered to parents/carers to inform their knowledge and confidence in their parenting role as their child’s main educators

All staff will have a minimum NVQ Level 3 Early Years Childcare and Education qualification or equivalent.

Performance Measurements

All relevant data requirements to be recorded using Children’s Centre paperwork

Group sessions facilitated and attendance details Number of sessions attended by children and families Number of individual families referred for support and from which

source (i.e. referrer) Number of families referred to other agencies for additional and or

specialist support Number of sessions/activities undertaken Evidence of improved outcomes for all families supported (case reports

and distance travelled for children/families)

Outcomes Parents feel confident to interact with their children through play Children have increased development of social skills Improved parent/child relationships Parents have improved understanding of their child’s development Improved progress in child’s learning and development Parents report reduced social isolation Parents feel confident in their child’s readiness for school/pre-school

3.3 Lot 3 – Parental mental Health

We are looking for postnatal support to meet the needs of a mother and her baby following childbirth. The postnatal period is uncomplicated for most women and babies, although for some women are vulnerable to adverse outcomes. For example, this could include women who have poor support networks, or women who are at risk of mental health problems or infant attachment problems.

During pregnancy and in the first 2 years of the child’s life the baby’s brain and neurological pathways are being set for life. It is the most important period for brain development, and is a key determinant of intellectual, social and emotional health and well being. Three quarters of a baby’s brain development takes place after birth. Research has shown that interactions and experiences with caregivers in the first months of a child’s life determine whether the child’s developing brain structure will provide a strong or a weak foundation for their future health, wellbeing and psychological and social development. When a parent experiences postnatal depression the whole family is affected. By intervening at an early stage positive changes and growth within relationships can be brought about.

The main aims of the service are to:26

Provide a service that encourages families to use the Children’s Centre from early years of their child’s life.

Provide a service that promotes and improves attachment and relationships within the family unit.

Provide a positive experience for families encountering problems linked with attachment.

Provide information that will enrich the knowledge base of parent’s to be or new parent’s in order to support their child in early stages.

Provide a platform to create a support network of potential peers within the Children’s Centre.

Engage with parents to offer postnatal advice, support and activity.

Engage vulnerable families. Work in partnership with NWL Children’s Centre and health

professionals to provide additional support and referrals to specialist services if required.

Reduce isolation through the sharing of experiences and ideas.

Performance Measures

Monitor and provide evidence of improved outcomes relating to attachment, well-being and Early Years development. Measuring the impact from the beginning of the course in contrast to responses given by parents at the end of the course.

Provide opportunities for parents to meet others who are experiencing Post Natal Illness (PNI), helping to reduce the feeling of isolation.

Outcomes

To reduce numbers of parents reporting isolation, depression or difficulties in coping.

Parents have improved understanding of child health and development.

Improved attachment between parent and child Improved mental health for parents experiencing post-natal

depression Improved parental capacity to promote emotional wellbeing

and resilience in their children

3.4 Lot 4 – Communication and Language

Communication is a vital skill that all children need to learn, without it they will not reach their full potential. The development of a child’s communication ability has an impact on their outcomes including literacy, performance at school and employment prospects in addition to their emotional wellbeing and behaviour.

We are looking for a provider to deliver fun, interactive early learning sessions with a focus on speech and language development. The activities seek to improve.

27

Activities will be an opportunity for families to try new activities, gain ideas for things to do at home and find out how these encourage their child’s communication development.

The aims of the activities will be to:

Provide a welcome place for parents/carers and their children Work with Children’s Centre outreach staff and health colleagues to

identify and tailor support for those children where developmental issues have been identified

Offer support for parents/carers, signpost and/or referral on when issues are more complex

Work with parents in facilitating focused communication and language development activities appropriate in line with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Parents are provided with the opportunity to interact with their children through play in a communication friendly environment

Parents are offered easy and affordable ideas activities to share with their child at home

Offer activities in community venues to support rurally isolated families Be flexible and responsive, demonstrating excellent practice Provide opportunities for parents to identify children with speech

language and communication needs Give parents the knowledge, skills and confidence to take more

responsibility for their children’s communication development Model good communication and positive play Identify children that may require further support and will approach

parents in a confidential and sensitive manner to inform them about speech and language specialist service in NWL

Activities share and celebrate the progress and achievements of each individual child

All sessions shall be planned and evaluated alongside EYFS and Ofsted requirements and quality assured, ensuring assessment is embedded into all activities.

Records shall be kept evidencing group and individual observations, linking with individual children’s learning journeys. Evidence of supporting improved outcomes for individual children and their families will be provided to the centres in the form of case studies. The provider shall ensure that the voice of the child forms part of the monitoring of services delivery.

The provider will engage in shared dialogue to support parents understanding of their child’s learning and experiences. Support, advice and positive affirmation will be offered to parents/carers to inform their knowledge and confidence in their parenting role as their child’s main educators

All staff will have a minimum NVQ Level 3 Early Years Childcare and Education qualification or equivalent.

28

Performance Measurements All relevant data requirements to be recorded using Children’s Centre

paperwork Group sessions facilitated and attendance details Number of sessions attended by children and families Number of individual families referred for support and from which

source (i.e. referrer) Number of families referred to other agencies for additional and or

specialist support Number of sessions/activities undertaken Evidence of improved outcomes for all families supported (case reports

and distance travelled for children/families)

Outcomes

Parents feel confident to interact with their children through play Parents reporting increased skills and confidence in speech and

language development Improved parent/child relationships Children have improved attention and listening skills Parents report reduced social isolation Parents feel confident in their child’s readiness for school/pre-school

3.5 Lot 5 – Home visiting family support

We are looking for a Volunteer Home Visiting preventative service which will provide an evidence-based sustained home visiting programme for families at risk of poorer maternal, child health and development outcomes. The service will integrate families into a range of support services. The support will consist of a range of practical support, mentoring, guidance and advice. The focus of intervention will be on prevention and early intervention, the expectation is that volunteers will only be expected to work with low risk families.

Activities will include The recruitment of volunteers who have parenting experience to

provide informal emotional and social support to parents, particularly those who have limited social networks.

Volunteers will be trained in parenting issues, key milestones in early childhood development, and providing information.

Volunteers will visit families in their homes continuing for varying periods under the supervision of a professional staff member

Volunteers shall visit the families on a regular basis to develop a mutually trusting relationship, offering reassurance and share their practical skills as parents; offer support and practical help in the particular way that meets the needs of the individual family members.

As appropriate, and by agreement, involve other organisations in the provision of support.

Practical support include, but is not limited to help in accessing appropriate services; accompanying families on outings; providing a

29

break for parents to do housework or devote more time to a particular child and befriending of young single parents who have no support from extended family.

Offer informal emotional support, advice and practical help to develop confidence and self esteem in parents and carers with a focus on behavioural change.

A key feature of the service will be for the provider to demonstrate effectiveness in building protective factors with the families they support and evidence that they work they have completed has led to improved outcomes.

Families receiving the service will receive an assessment of needs and protective factors at the outset of service provision.

Volunteers work with families on the assumption that parents are capable of caring for their children.

Performance Measures

All relevant data requirements to be recorded using Children’s Centre paperwork for example the number of all individual contacts (i.e. home visit, meeting etc.,)

Number of individual families referred for support and from which source (i.e. referrer)

Number of families referred to other agencies for additional and or specialist support

Number of visits/sessions attended by children and families at Children’s Centres

Number of children who have prevented becoming a subject to CP plan or have de-escalated via threshold tiers as a result of your intervention

Numbers of families identified as requiring higher tier support Evidence of improved outcomes for all families supported (case reports

and distance travelled for children/families)

Outcomes

Families reporting improved emotional health and wellbeing Families have increased self esteem Families have increased support networks and social relationships Families report reduced levels of stress and conflict Parents have improved parenting skills Parents feel more involved in their children’s development Parents feel more able to manage their children’s behaviour Parents access other services

3.6 Lot 6 – Debt Advice

One in three children in the UK live in poverty. Poverty affects children significantly; it affects health, relationships, opportunities for education and progression, as well as depriving families of the basic essentials that are required for everyday living. The current economic situation is likely to compound the financial difficulties facing many

30

families. Through Sure Start Children Centres we have an opportunity to try to ensure that those with young children are supported to reduce their debts and thereby improve the quality of life for children.

Via the Children Centres, the service will offer dedicated provision to families with pre-school children living in NWL. The service will assist families to stabilise their financial position through:

Income maximisation Debt management Reduction of the overall debt where possible Equipping families with budget management skills

Aims of ServiceInput would include the provision of impartial information advice and guidance from dedicated and trained worker/s to operate peripatetically across the programme in children centres but also at other community venues and in families own homes. Provision should as a minimum include:

Working as part of the North West Leicestershire Children’s Centres team to identify families who would benefit from input

Proactive working with partners to ensure awareness of the service Provide assessment and an income maximisation service for families

with pre-school children Assist with debt counselling including liaison with creditors Acting as a broker - supporting clients to access the appropriate

agencies when specialist help is required Work closely with other services in the locality including those

commissioned by the Children Centre Programme including Family Outreach Workers and health visitors

Offer additional intensive support where appropriate Teaching budget setting and budget management skills individually or

in groups Evening and weekend provision if needed Consultation and evaluation of the project

This requires the provider to:- Develop a project model for intervention with parents to maximise

income and minimise debts Develop and deliver a rolling programme of training/education to

enhance skills and confidence in the management of budgets. A clear mechanism for evaluation and outcome monitoring

The organisation will have an expert knowledge of working with those in debt. The individual trainers / workers would need to be particularly skilled at working with /training those more vulnerable parents whose children are at greatest risk of poor outcomes. Expected Outputs and Outcomes:

31

Deliver individual support to approximately 100 vulnerable families per year in reducing debt and maximising income (based on anticipated referrals of approx 140 per year).

Outputs No. of contacts, referrals received and families supported. No. of Children’s Centre groups attended through the year.

Outcomes – should be in line with programme outcomes but will include:

Parents reporting reduction of debt Reporting income increase Parents accessing information that promotes improved economic

stability

3.7 Lot 7 – Ages and Stages

The Age and Stage Healthy Lifestyle aims are as follows:

Delivery of home based individual and group work interventions to prepare vulnerable parents for parenthood. The service will offer high quality information advice and guidance to expectant parents already managing a range of challenges in their lives. This will include young people and people with a degree of learning difficulty. The project will focus on building basic knowledge, understanding and practical skills to support families in safe and consistent parenting. The service will seek to positively influence parenting practices, build parental confidence and promote healthy family lifestyles at a point where parents are open to change.

Provide dedicated support to vulnerable groups of pregnant women and expectant fathers to better prepare them in caring for a new born baby. Parents may be first time parents and vulnerable second time parents living in North West Leicestershire district.

The project will offer a rolling programme of practical ante-natal courses for parents, delivered from the Children’s Centres which will contribute significantly to their healthy lifestyle and delivery of our extended care pathway for vulnerable parents.

The project will also offer intensive home based support covering the same topic areas and issues as the group to those parents who are unable or unwilling to take part in a group.

All information, advice and guidance will need to be delivered in an accessible and non stigmatising format, aimed at achieving change and supporting parents to be the best they can be. Ideally the course should provide accredited learning for participants.

The service will be required to engage confidently and safely with expectant parents who may have had negative experiences from professionals in the past, have disengaged from mainstream services and may be wary participants.

As part of the Children’s Centres, the project will need to proactively seek referrals and build credibility in the local workforce to generate referrals and ensure families are facilitated to access the service

32

The project will need to develop productive and strong professional relationships with a range of local services and agencies and could be the main link between those services and the Children's Centre programme, but will also have to establish protocols and referral processes that ensure families receive a seamless service.

Offer of high quality information, advice and guidance on, and promotion of, healthy lifestyles, including breastfeeding, smoking cessation, healthy eating and stress reduction. Parents/ carers are introduced to Start4life a part of the Change4life programme and are supported to sign up in preparation.

The project staff will need to work proactively on behalf of the Centres with midwifery services, health visiting, Social Care, Smoking Cessation etc. This includes supporting families through often difficult statutory processes and representing the Children's Centres at Child Protection Case Conferences, Core Groups, and Team around the Child meetings. Project workers will need to engage with all safeguarding and data protection procedures.

Sessions may draw on expertise within the Centres but will need to include information about:

Preparing for life with a new baby/caring for a newborn Emotions surrounding pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period Baby bathing, sleep patterns and routines Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and safety at home including smoking Basic money management skills

Performance Measures All relevant data requirements to be recorded using Children’s Centre

paperwork Group sessions facilitated and attendance details Number of sessions attended by children and families Number of individual families referred for support and from which

source (i.e. referrer) Number of families referred to other agencies for additional and or

specialist support Number of sessions/activities undertaken Evidence of improved outcomes for all families supported (case reports

and distance travelled for children/families) Parents accessing pregnancy and parenting advice, support and

servicesOutcomes:

Parents feel positive and confident in early parenting Improved self-esteem and confidence of pregnancy, childbirth and early

parenting Parents ceasing smoking in pregnancy Mothers successfully breast feeding to 6/8 weeks

3.8 Lot 8 – Domestic AbuseIt is widely reported that children exposed to domestic abuse in the home are often the silent and forgotten victims. It has also been recently reported that domestic

33

violence is more prevalent in homes with younger children. The negative and detrimental impact of domestic abuse upon children is now more commonly understood, although further work in this is area is needed. There is a common link between domestic abuse and child abuse. Among victims of child abuse 40% have reported domestic violence in the home.

Relevant staff working on this project should be qualified to a minimum level 3 in early years and trained to a minimum level 2 in safeguarding. They should have experienced of working with vulnerable children and families and have a working knowledge of EYFS. They should also have enhanced CRB clearance. Managerial staff supervising front line staff will be required to have similar qualifications and training in addition to advanced experience of working with vulnerable children and families. All relevant staff involved in the project will also be required to undertake Children’s Centre joint training events as required.

Goods or Services Required

To provide holistic support to children aged 0-5 and carers who are at risk of, experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Identifying and intervening early to minimise the long term negative impact and promoting awareness of support services available to children 0-5 and carers. Whilst maintaining a clear focus on the needs of the child as the priority in relation to their health and wellbeing, more specifically promoting early learning activities for children in partnership with carers with a view to improving children’s overall emotional, social and physical development.

Objectives:

Provide activities that support the development of children’s self esteem, wellbeing and early learning achievements, contributing towards the achievement of children’s early learning goals and milestones

Increase parental/carer awareness of the importance of play for young and older children

Promote co-operative play with children, positive attitudes and nurture positive values in partnership with carers

Provide opportunities for children to have access to learning resources at refuge, home, children’s centre and where considered appropriate

Engage children and carers in activities at the children’s centres that provide opportunities for peer support, positive role models and social interaction as considered appropriate

Improve opportunities for early access to services for parents and carers affirming the importance of engaging support early

Increase awareness of positive parenting and as required working in partnership with other agencies

Delivering parenting programmes and or one to one parenting support where appropriate with domestic abuse built into any parenting work and use of evidence based programmes i.e. Peep, or Solihull Approach etc.

34

Promote and support carers to adopt positive behaviour management techniques and skills to deal with aggression/anger among children

Increase promotion and awareness of Children’s Centre activities to reduce social isolation

Setting up and facilitating peer support groups as appropriate

Support carers to develop routines and where possible normality either in the home or refuge that support children’s general wellbeing to include recreational activities for children

Inclusive response to the diverse and differing needs of children and where there are specific children’s needs identified

Empowerment of non abusing parent/carer to support positive outcomes for children, building positive attachments

Use of an appropriate assessment of need followed by a plan of how these needs will be met, use of CAF where appropriate

Planning of services that evidences the child’s voice, wishes and feelings as appropriate

Adopt interventions that bridge the gap between children’s and adult’s services, so that appropriate support is provided both for the non-abusing parent and the children in an integrated way

Liaison with other agencies to include adult services as appropriate to ensure the health i.e. medical, physical, language, early learning, social and emotional developmental needs of the child are co-ordinated to include any child protection issues

Making referrals to other agencies as appropriate to meet the needs of vulnerable children requiring specialist services and who have complex needs requiring higher level interventions

Tracking children’s progress towards improved outcomes identified at assessment

Advocacy work as required in the interests of meeting the needs of the child as identified by a quality assessment

Sensitively promote carers awareness and understanding of the damaging affects of domestic abuse upon children (non-blaming approach adopted)

Contribute to preventative strategies and promote protective factors for children 0-5 and carers

Contribute to consultation exercises and surveys as required

Performance Measures

All relevant data requirements to be recorded using Children’s Centre paperwork for example the number of all individual contacts (i.e. home visit, meeting etc) and group sessions

Number of individual families referred for support and from which source (i.e. referrer)

Number of families referred to other agencies for additional and or specialist support

35

Group sessions facilitated and attendance rates Number of awareness raising sessions/activities undertaken Number of visits/sessions attended by children and families at

Children’s Centres Number of children who have prevented becoming a subject to CP plan

or have de-escalated via threshold tiers, (breakdown within families) as a result of your intervention

Numbers of families identified as requiring domestic abuse support Evidence of improved outcomes for all families supported (case reports

and distance travelled for children/families)Outcomes

Parents reporting increased awareness of the importance of play for young and older children

Parents reporting increased confidence in their parenting ability Children demonstrating improved behaviours Parents reporting they have improved support networks Parents building positive attachments with their child Children making improvements in achieving their

Early Learning Goals; particularly listening and attention, health and self care, self confidence and self awareness, managing feelings & behaviour and making relationships

36

Part Four

Conditions of Contract

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN CENTRE SERVICES

January 2014

37

4 Conditions of Contract

Please see separate document.

38

Part Five

Business Questionnaire

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN CENTER SERVICES

January 2014

39

5 Business Questionnaire

Contents

Introduction

Guidance for Applicants

Questionnaire:

A General Information

B Technical Resources and References

C Financial and Insurance Information

D Equal Opportunities

E Health & Safety

F Environmental Management and Social Considerations

G Business Continuity Planning

I Undertaking by the Applicant

Checklist of Enclosures

Appendix 1: Selection Criteria

40

Guidance for Applicants

5.1. Instructions for Completion

5.1.1 You are strongly advised to keep a copy of your completed application. You will need this if the Council wishes to clarify or discuss your answers with you.

5.1.2 Please answer all questions fully continuing onto separate sheets if necessary. Any information provided on separate sheets or on supplementary documents must be clearly cross-referenced to the relevant question in a marked appendix attached securely to this, questionnaire.

5.1.3 Do not leave questions unanswered. Where a question is not relevant to your organisation this should be indicated, with an explanation.

5.1.4 Answer the questions specifically for the applicant, not for the group if you are part of a group of companies. However, please answer accordingly where group policies, statements etc are normally used in your organisation.

5.1.5 Please include, where appropriate, any supporting documents marking clearly on all enclosures the name of your organisation and the number of the question to which they refer. A checklist of enclosures is provided for your convenience.

5.1.6 You must ensure that you have signed the Undertaking and Statement Relating to Good Standing at Sections I and J.

5.1.7 The application must be returned to the Council by the date shown on the front of the document.

5.1.8 Any questions about the procurement procedure should be submitted via the delta suite.

5.1.9 The Council may disqualify any Applicant who fails to:

5.1.9.1 Comply with the mandatory requirements of Regulation 23 and/or fails to certify at Part J that it has fulfilled these

requirements

5.1.9.2 Provide a satisfactory response to any questions in the questionnaire (including the discretionary requirements of Regulation 23) or inadequately or incorrectly completes any question

5.1.9.3 submit its completed questionnaire by the deadline shown on the front of the document

41

5.1.10 Evaluation Criteria

Details of the criteria and weightings used to score responses to the questionnaire are included at appendix 1 for your information. Tenderers must achieve a pass for all of the pass/fail questions and achieve a minimum pass mark of 150.

5.2 Notes on Section A – General Information

5.2.1 Please note that the organisation making this application must be the same legal entity with which the Council shall contract.

5.2.2 The Council will only contract with an applicant having a legal form capable of entering into contract under English law.

5.3 Notes on Section C – Financial and Insurance

5.3.1 The Council will use the information given in this section to assess the financial position of the applicant and, where appropriate, set contract limits. We also wish to ensure that you are properly registered for VAT, CIS (if applicable) and insurance.

5.3.2 The minimum insurance levels quoted in the Questionnaire are the Council’s current requirements from all suppliers in this category.

5.3.2.1 Applicants are not necessarily required to hold the required levels of insurance prior to contract award, but the Council needs to see a commitment to attaining the required cover prior to commencing work if successful.

5.3.2.2 Please note that non-disclosure of insurance levels could mean that minimum levels of financial standing cannot be ascertained and your application may be rejected.

5.4 Notes on Section D – Equal Opportunities

5.4.1 The Council has a statutory duty to promote all forms of equality under the Equality Act 2010 through its procurement activity.

5.4.2 This duty to promote equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination is extended throughout the Council’s supply chain and must be implemented by organisations wishing to tender for its contracts.

5.4.3 The purpose of the questions is to ensure that organisations can demonstrate that they are a fair employer in keeping with these statutory duties. You are asked to answer the questions to demonstrate your current compliance as an employer with these equality duties.

5.4.4 If you are not subject to UK legislation please supply details of your experience in

42

complying with equivalent legislation that is designed to eliminate discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity.

5.5 Notes on Section E – Health & Safety

5.5.1 The Council has a statutory duty to ensure that all work contracted out on its behalf is carried out safely by competent providers. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974) requires that all companies employing 5 or more employees has a written Health & Safety Policy.

5.5.2 Companies operating with less than 5 employees still have hazards/risks attached to their work activity, therefore relevant information is required. To ensure that the vetting procedure is consistent and all applicants are treated fairly, a two-tier system has been adopted.

5.6 Notes on Section F – Environmental Management

5.6.1 Question F4 refers to the eight fundamental International Labour Organisation conventions. These are: Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention,

1948 (No. 87) Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

5.6.2 For information on how the conventions have been enacted into national law in different countries please visit: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/country_profiles.byCountry?p_lang=en

43

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

A1 Full name, address and website:

Organisation NameAddress

Town/CityPostcodeCountryWebsite

A2 Main contact for correspondence about this application:

NamePositionTelephone NumberFax NumberEmail Address

A3 Invoice address (if different from main address):

Address

Town/CityPostcodeCountryTelephone NumberFax NumberEmail Address

A4 Company Registration

Date of formationPlace of formationDate of registration

44

Company registration numberCertificate of Incorporation enclosed Yes/NoCertificate of change of name enclosed

Yes / No

Registered Office

A5 Please tick the correct box to indicate whether you are a:

Sole TraderPartnershipLimited Liability PartnershipPublic Limited CompanyPrivate Limited CompanyIndustrial and Provident SocietyOther (please state)

Note: “Other” would include co-operatives, other local authority organisations (suppliers or direct labour organisations), nationalised industries (which are incorporated under specific acts of parliament), or other public sector organisations.

A6 List the full names of every Director, Partner, Associate and the Organisation’s Secretary

A7 Please state if any Director, Partner, or Associate has (a) relative(s) who is employed by North West Leicestershire District Council

Yes / No

If Yes, please enclose details.Tick if enclosed

45

A8 Please state if any Director, Partner or Associate has (a) relative(s) who is employed by the Council at a senior level or is a Councillor.

Yes / No

If Yes, please provide details:Title Name

A9 Is the potential provider a consortium joint venture or other arrangement?

Yes / No

If Yes, please provide details of the constitution and percentage shareholdings.

Organisation Percentage Shareholding

46

B. TECHNICAL RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

B1 Please list the skills in the table below including professional, managerial and technical expertise that are available in your organisation to enable you to carry out work for this authority e.g. training, experience etc. Please include qualifications of staff.

Skill Number of Staff

Qualifications, Training and Experience

B2 Please supply details of staffing levels in your organisation by completing the table and supplying an organisational chart showing reporting lines.

Staff Number of Employees

Management

Professional/Technical

Admin/Clerical

Operative Supervisor

Operative

Others

47

B3 Please give details of membership of regulatory, professional or trade bodies with which you are registered. Please state any registration numbers and provide copies of valid certificates.

Professional Body Registration Number

Tick if certificates enclosed

B4 REFERENCES

Please list below the details of organisations (preferably public sector) OTHER THAN THIS AUTHORITY for which the applicant has recently carried out work. The organisation and supervising officer may be approached for a reference.

1 2 3Name of client Organisation

Contact name

Telephone number

Email address

Address

Contract title/description

Contract value

Date contract awarded

Date of completion

B5 Please provide details of contracts carried out for THIS AUTHORITY including work in the last 3 years. You are not required to have carried out work for the Authority previously, but this information may be used for administrative purposes

48

and to take up internal references.

1 2 3Department

Supervising officer

Contract title/descriptionContract value

Date contract awarded

Date of completion

B6 Has your organisation ever had to pay financial penalties or contractual damages levied in respect of a failure to perform to the terms of a contract?

Yes / No

If Yes, please enclose details

Tick if enclosed

B7 Has your organisation had a contract terminated or your employment determined under the terms of the contract in the last three years?

Yes / No

If Yes, please enclose details

Tick if enclosed

B8 Has your organisation failed to have a contract renewed for failure to perform to its terms in the last three years?

Yes / No

If Yes, please enclose details

Tick if enclosed

49

C. FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

cdfdsfsdC1

Who is the person in the organisation responsible for financial matters?

(This is the person who will be contacted for further financial information if required)

Name

Position

Telephone Number

C2

If the applicant is a member of a group, give the name and address of the ultimate holding company/parent organisation

Name

Address

C3 Would the ultimate holding company/parent organisation be prepared to guarantee your contract performance as its subsidiary?

Yes / No

C5 Please state your turnover (value of work undertaken) for the last three financial years, as reported in the final year-end statements of accounts

Year-ending Turnover

50

C6 VAT Registration Number (if applicable):

C7

If you are an Industrial and Provident Society:

Date of registration

Registration number

Charity Registration (if applicable)

Under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 to 1978.

Please confirm that you are able to provide management accounts and a letter from your bank if the Council requests

Tick to confirm

C8 Are there any outstanding claims or litigation against the applicant, which affect or could affect your ability to perform the contract for the contract period?

Yes / No

If Yes, please enclose details

Tick if enclosed

C9 Please give details of your insurance policies:

Employers Liability

Public Liability(3rd Party)

Professional Indemnity

Minimum required(for each and every claim, costs included)

£5M £5M £2M

Insurer’s Name:

Insurer’s Contact Details:

Policy No:

51

Expiry Date:

Extent of Cover:

Excess (or deductible)If you do not currently hold the minimum cover required, please provide a statement of your commitment to attaining this cover prior to commencing work if successful.

Tick if enclosed

C10 Has your organisation been refused insurance cover within the last five years?

Yes / No

If “Yes” please give details of refusal

Tick if enclosed

52

D. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

D1 Do you have a written equal opportunities policy? Yes / No

If yes, please enclose a copy

Tick if enclosedIf you do not have a written equal opportunities policy, please explain how you meet your equal opportunities obligations:

D2 If you do have a written equal opportunities policy, does your policy cover:

Recruitment, selection, training, promotion, discipline and dismissal?

Yes / No

Discrimination, harassment and victimisation, making it clear that these are disciplinary offences within the firm?

Yes / No

Does your policy identify a senior position with responsibility for the policy and its implementation?

Yes / No

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, how often is your policy reviewed?

Please state when it is next due for review:

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, how do you communicate your policy to your staff?

53

D3 If you are an organisation with 50 or more employees, do you provide equality training for managers and staff responsible for recruitment and selection?

Yes / No

D4 If you are an organisation with 50 or more employees, do you:

Monitor the profile of your workforce by age, disability, ethnicity, gender?

Yes / No

Monitor the profile of your workforce by sexual orientation, religion or belief?

Yes / No

Do you monitor the profile of applicants for jobs within your organisation?

Yes / No

Do you take any action to ensure that your workforce is representative of the population in your area?

Yes / No

Refer to your equal opportunities policy or practice in recruitment advertisements and publicity?

Yes / No

D5 In the last three years, has any finding of unlawful discrimination or other breach of equality law been made against your organisation by any court or industrial tribunal?

Yes / No

D6 In the last three years, has your organisation been the subject of a formal investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission or any previous equality commission on grounds of alleged unlawful discrimination?

Yes / No

54

D7 If you have answered yes to D5 or D6, what was the result of the investigation and what actions did you take in response?

55

E. HEALTH AND SAFETY/SAFEGUARDING POLICY

E1.1 Name of Director, Partner or other person responsible for the implementation of your organisation’s Health & Safety/Safeguarding policy.

E1.2 Please state the total number of employees within your organisation. Include Directors, trainees etc

If your organisation has more than 5 employees:

E2.1 Please provide a copy of your organisation’s Health & Safety/Safeguard policy

Tick if enclosed

E2.2 How is the Health & Safety/safeguarding Policy brought to the attention of your organisation’s:

Employees?

Individuals/parents?

If your organisation has less than 5 employees:

E3.1 Please provide a letter or statement of your commitment to comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

Tick if enclosed

56

F. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

F1 The Council expects its contractors to comply with, or exceed, all statutory environmental requirements.

Has your organisation had any notices or prosecutions served on you with respect to environmental legislation? You need not disclose details of spent convictions.

Yes / No

If yes, please enclose details

Tick if enclosedWhat steps have you subsequently taken to ensure that you comply with environmental legislation? Please enclose examples of procedures and/or staff training records.

Tick if enclosed

57

I. UNDERTAKING BY THE APPLICANT

I/We certify that the information supplied is accurate to be best of my/our knowledge and that I/we accept the conditions and undertakings requested in the questionnaire. I/We understand that false information could result in my/our disqualification.

I/We also understand that it is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment, to give or offer any gift or consideration whatsoever as an inducement or reward to any servant of a public body and that any such action will empower the Council to cancel any contract currently in force and will result in my/our disqualification.

Applicant Name*

Signed

Duly authorised on behalf of the Applicant

Position

Date

*Please note the term “applicant” refers to sole proprietor, partnership, incorporated company, unincorporated body and cooperative as appropriate. The undertaking should be signed by a director, partner or other duly authorised representative in her/his own name and on behalf of the applicant.

58

J. STATEMENT RELATING TO GOOD STANDING

STATEMENT RELATING TO GOOD STANDING — GROUNDS FOR OBLIGATORY EXCLUSION (IN ELIGIBILITY) AND CRITERIA FOR REJECTION OF tenderers in accordance with Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended)

CONTRACT NAME/DESCRIPTION: Banking Services

I/We confirm that, to the best of my/our knowledge, the applicant is not in breach of the provisions of Regulation 23 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended) and in particular that:

Grounds for mandatory rejection (ineligibility)

The applicant (or its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of the named organisation) has not been convicted of any of the following offences (the term “active corruption” means corruption as defined in Article 3 of the Council Act of 26 May 1997 or Article 3(1) of Council Joint Action 98/742/JHA):

(a) conspiracy within the meaning of section 1 or 1A of the Criminal Law Act 1977 where that conspiracy relates to participation in a criminal organisation as defined in Article 2 of Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA;

(b) corruption within the meaning of section 1(2) of the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889 or section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, where the offence relates to active corruption (as amended);

(c) the offence of bribery, where the offence relates to active corruption;

(d) bribery within the meaning of section 1 or 6 of the Bribery Act 2010;

(e) fraud, where the offence relates to fraud affecting the financial interests of the European Communities as defined by Article 1 of the Convention relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Union, within the meaning of:

(i) the offence of cheating the Revenue;

(ii) the offence of conspiracy to defraud;

(iii) fraud or theft within the meaning of the Theft Act 1968, the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969, the Theft Act 1978 or the Theft (Northern Ireland) Order 1978;

(iv) fraudulent trading within the meaning of section 458 of the Companies Act 1985, article 451 of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1968 or section 993 of the Companies Act 2006;

(v) defrauding the Customs within the meaning of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 or section 72 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994;

(vi) an offence in connection with taxation in the European Community within the meaning of section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993; or

(vii) destroying, defacing or concealing of documents or procuring the extension of a valuable security within the meaning of section 20 of the Theft Act 1968 or section 19 of the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969;

(viii) fraud within the meaning of section 2, 3 or 4 of the Fraud Act 2006;

(ix) making, adapting, supplying or offering to supply articles for use in frauds within the meaning of section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006;

59

(f) money laundering within the meaning of section 340(11) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;

(g) an offence in connection with the proceeds of criminal conduct within the meaning of section 93A, 93B or 93C of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 or article 45, 46 or 47 of the Proceeds of Crime (Northern Ireland) Order 1996; or

(h) any other offence within the meaning of Article 45(1) of the Public Sector Directive.

Applicant Name*

Signed

Position

Date

60

Discretionary grounds for rejection

The Applicant (or its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of the named organisation) confirms that it:

(a) being an individual person in respect of whom a debt relief order has not been made of or is not bankrupt or has not had a receiving order or administration order or bankruptcy restrictions order nor a debt relief restrictions order made against him or has not made any composition or arrangement with or for the benefit of his creditors or has not made any conveyance or assignment for the benefit of his creditors or does not appear unable to pay or to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay, a debt within the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986, or article 242 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, or in Scotland has not granted a trust deed for creditors or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or is not the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of his estate, or is not the subject of any similar procedure under the law of any other state;

(b) being a partnership constituted under Scots law has not granted a trust deed or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or is not the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of its estate;

(c) being a company or any other entity within the meaning of section 255 of the Enterprise Act 2002 has not passed a resolution or is not the subject of an order by the court for the company’s winding up otherwise than for the purpose of bona fide reconstruction or amalgamation, nor had a receiver, manager or administrator on behalf of a creditor appointed in respect of the company’s business or any part thereof or is not the subject of similar procedures under the law of any other state;

(d) has not been convicted of a criminal offence relating to the conduct of his business or profession;

(e) has not committed an act of grave misconduct in the course of his business or profession;

(f) has fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the organisation is established;

(g) has fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of taxes under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of the relevant State in which the economic operator is established;

(h) is not guilty of serious misrepresentation in providing any information required of him under regulation 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 or has provided such information in response to a request by the Council;

(i) in relation to procedures for the award of a public services contract, is licensed in the relevant State in which he is established or is a member of an organisation in that relevant State when the law of that relevant State prohibits the provision of the services to be provided under the contract by a person who is not so licensed or who is not such a member;

(j) subject to paragraphs (7), (7A), (7B), (8), (8A), (8B) and (9) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, is registered on the professional or trade register of the relevant state in which he/it is established.

61

Applicant Name*

Signed

Position

Date

62

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Before returning it, please ensure that you have:

Answered all the questions appropriate to your application Signed the undertaking Enclosed relevant documents as follows. (Please tick appropriate box)

Question No.

Information Required Enclosed To Follow

N/A

A4 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and any certificate of change of name

A8 Details of any Director, Partner or Associate who has (a) relative(s) employed by the Council

B2 Organisational Chart

B3 Certificates of membership of regulatory, trade or professional bodies

B6 Details of financial penalties levied in respect of failure to perform

B7 Details of contracts terminated/employment determined under the terms of a contract

B8 Details of contracts not renewed for failure to perform

C8 Details of any outstanding claims or litigation against the applicant

C10 Details of refusal of insurance cover

D1 Equal Opportunities policy

E1 / E3.1 Health and Safety/safeguarding policy or

Statement of commitment

63

APPENDIX 1Scoring Criteria

Question Type

Points Available Weighting

Total Score Available

Section A: General Information        

Company details provided Pass/Fail 3 1 3

Primary business activities appropriate to the area of work Graded 3 3 9

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest Graded 3 1 3

Section B: Technical Resources & References        

Relevant knowledge and skills Graded 3 3 9

Number of staff with appropriate skills proportional to contract requirements Graded 3 3 9

Staffing levels within organisation suitable to deliver contract requirements Graded 3 3 9

Membership of relevant professional/regulatory bodies Graded 3 3 9

References: Relevance Graded 3 3 9

References: Positive Feedback Graded 3 3 9

Track record in contract performance Graded 3 3 9

Section C: Financial and Insurance Information        

Employers Liability (confirmation or commitment) Pass/Fail 3 2 6

Public Liability (confirmation or commitment) Pass/Fail 3 2 6

Professional Indemnity (confirmation or commitment)

Pass/Fail 3 2 6

Outstanding claims/litigation Graded 3 2 6

Acceptable financial standing Pass/Fail 3 2 6

Section D: Equal Opportunities        

Equal Opportunities policy or statement of commitment (as appropriate to size of organisation) Pass/Fail 3 2 6

Content of Equal Opportunities policy, training and monitoring (as appropriate to size of organisation)* Graded 3 3 9

Section E: Health & Safety        

Name/position of person responsible Graded 3 2 6

Health & Safety policy and manual or statement of commitment (as appropriate to size of organisation) Graded 3 2 6

Section F: Environmental Management

       

Notices or prosecutions and improvement actions Graded 3 2 6

Section I: Undertaking by the Applicant        

Signed and dated on behalf of the company Pass/Fail 3 1 3

Maximum number of points available 144

Scoring Key

 

A score of '0' against any of the criteria will mean disqualification of the application.

However, if only minor adjustments/additional information are required, the Council will contact you to clarify your application where practicable.

 

Pass/Fail Questions

0 = No

3 = Yes

 

Graded questions

0 = Unacceptable

1 = Meets minimum standard/legal requirement only

2 = Good response: demonstrates suitability to meet contract requirements

3 = Excellent response: highly suitable to deliver contract requirements

 

*scoring for this criteria based on the Commission for Racial Equality's Code of Practice

65

Part Six

Form of Tender

North West Leicestershire District Council

CHILDREN’S CENTRE SERVICES

January 2014

6 Form of Tender

6.1Form of Tender

6.2Pricing Schedule

6.3Tender Responses

6.4Tendering Certificate

6.5Guarantee Undertaking

6.6Items which Should be Enclosed With Your Tender

67

6.1 Form of Tender

UNCONDITIONAL AND IRREVOCABLE OFFER TO North West Leicestershire District Council

Re: Invitation to Tender dated <Insert Date> for <Children Centre ServicesTo: North West Leicestershire District Council, Council Offices, Coalville,

Leicestershire, LE67 3FJ

Having read carefully the Invitation to Tender:

6.1.1 We offer to perform the Services specified and to complete the contract to meet the requirements of the Invitation to Tender

for the sum of £<insert value> enter amount in words ……………………………………………... in accordance with the pricing schedules annexed to this Form of Tender and fully in accordance with the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.

6.1.2 We agree that this Tender shall constitute an irrecoverable, unconditional offer, which may not be withdrawn for a period of 90 days from this date.

6.1.3 We confirm that we have enclosed with this Form of Tender the following documents:

The Business Questionnaire (Part 5) The Pricing Schedule (6.2) Tender Responses (6.3) The Tendering Certificate (6.4)

- Collusive Tendering Declaration- Declaration and Canvassing Certificate

6.1.4 We are a subsidiary company within the meaning of Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985 and enclose a Parent Company Guarantee undertaking in the form set out in Section 6.5 duly completed by our ultimate holding company. (DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE)

6.1.5 Unless and until a formal contract is prepared and executed, this Tender, together with your written acceptance thereof, shall constitute a binding contract between us.

6.1.6 We understand that the Council is not bound to accept any tender it receives.

68

Company*

(1) Signature

.................................................

(2) Signature

....................................................Name

.................................................

Name

....................................................(Director) (Director/Company Secretary)*

For and on behalf of: .....................................................................(print Company’s full name andregistered number)

Registered Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

DATE: .................................................................................

Sole Principal/Partnership*

(1) Signature.................................................Name

.................................................Job Title/Designation.................................................

*(2) Signature....................................................Name

....................................................Job Title/Designation....................................................

For and on behalf of: ......................................................................(Print business’s full name)

Business Address ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

DATE: ......................................................................*delete as applicable

69

6.2 Pricing SchedulePlease complete the pricing table below for each Lot that you bid for.

A full breakdown of all costs associated with the delivery of Centre Services to NWL Must be included in the table below. No additional charges other than those submitted below will be paid.

Cost element £ (excl.VAT)Service delivery staff costsSupport staff costsMaterialsOverheads (inc. buildings rental, utilities, IT & communications, administrative and managerial staff costs)TravelOther (please specify)Total project cost

70

6.3 Tender Responses

Tenderers are required to respond to the questions below:

Please ensure you complete the below for each lot you bid for, responses over this length will not be taken in consideration.

Question Number

Section Question

1 Overview Please provide an overview of your proposed service.

2 Previous Experience What previous do you have to deliver this service?

3 Details of Activities What activities and how many will you offer in order to ensure delivery of our aims for this service?

4 Organisation of Activities How will you organise the activities to be offered (for example, days, times, risk assessments, administration and evaluation).

5 Meeting Outcomes How will you ensure you service will meet the required outcomes?

6 Numbers to be reached Please outline the proposed number individuals/ families you intend to reach.

7 Parental and Child Involvement How will you ensure both parents and children are involved in and influence your service delivery

71

6.4 Tendering Certificate

To: North West Leicestershire District Council (“The Council”)I/We certify that this is a bona fide tender, intended to be competitive and that I/We have not (either personally or by anyone acting on my/our behalf)a) Fixed the amount of the Tender (or the rate and prices quoted) by agreement

with any person.b) Communicated to anyone other than the Council the amount or approximate

amount or terms of my/our proposed tender (other than in confidence in order to obtain quotations, professional advice or insurance necessary for the preparation of the tender).

c) Entered into any agreement or arrangement with any other person that he shall refrain from tendering or as to the amount or terms of any tender to be submitted by him.

d) Canvassed or solicited any member, officer or other employee of the Council in connection with the award of this or any other Council contract or tender.

e) Offered, given or agreed to give any inducement or reward in respect of this or any other Council contract or tender.

SIGNED* (1) ....................................................................Status ....................................................................SIGNED* (2) ....................................................................Status ....................................................................For and on behalf of ....................................................................Date: ....................................................................*Note: to be signed by the same signatories as the Form of Tender

72

COLLUSIVE TENDERING DECLARATION

To: North West Leicestershire District CouncilI/We* the undersigned do hereby contract and agree on acceptance of this tender, to carry out the Services detailed in the Contract Documents, at the prices and terms quoted, and in accordance with the Conditions of Contract.

In submitting a tender against this contract, I/We* have not done and I/We* undertake that I/We* will not do at any time before the notification of tender results any of the following acts:-a) communicate to any person other than the person calling for the tenders the

amount or approximate amount of the proposed tender, except where the disclosure, in confidence, of the approximate amount of the tender is necessary to obtain insurance premium quotations required for the preparation of the tender;

b) enter into any agreement or arrangement with any person that he shall refrain from tendering or as to the amount of any tender to be submitted;

c) offer to pay or give or agree to pay any sum of money or valuable consideration directly or indirectly to any person for doing or having done or causing or having caused to be done in relation to this or any other tender or proposed tender for the said work any act or thing of the sort described above. In the context of this clause the word ‘person’ includes any persons and any body or association, corporate or unincorporated; and ‘any agreement or arrangement’ includes any such transaction, formal or informal, and whether legally binding or not.

*Delete as applicable

Signed: …………………………………………………….

Name: …………………………………………………….(please print)

Position: ……………………………………………………

Name of Tenderer: ……………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………

Telephone number: ……………………………………………………

Fax number: ……………………………………………………

73

DECLARATION AND CANVASSING CERTIFICATE

To: North West Leicestershire District Council

I/We* hereby certify that I/We* have not canvassed or solicited any member, officer or employee of the Council in connection with the award of this Tender or any other Tender or proposed Tender for the Works and that no person employed by me/us* or acting on my/our* behalf has done any such act.

I/We* further hereby undertake that I/We* will not in future canvass or solicit any member, officer or employee of the Council in connection with the award of this Tender or any other Tender or proposed Tender for the Service and that no person employed by me/us* or acting on my/our* behalf will do any such act. *Delete as applicable

Signed: …………………………………………………….

Name: …………………………………………………….(please print)

Position: ……………………………………………………

Name of Tenderer: ……………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………

Telephone number: ……………………………………………………

Fax number: ……………………………………………………

74

6.5 Guarantee Undertaking

(TO BE COMPLETED IF THE TENDERER IS A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY)

RE: PROVISION OF CHILDREN CENTRE SERVICES TO NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL TENDERER:PARENT COMPANY NAME:ADDRESS:

REG NO: TO: NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

In consideration of the Council inviting our subsidiary to tender we hereby enter into this Deed of Undertaking.

We, being the ultimate holding company of our subsidiary company, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally promise and undertake that in the event of the Form of Tender submitted by our subsidiary being accepted by the Council in accordance with the Form of Tender and conditions attached thereto, and, if requested to do so by the Council, we shall forthwith upon request properly execute and deliver to the Council a Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity to guarantee due performance by our subsidiary and indemnify the Council against loss in the form reasonably required by the Council, but subject to the insertion of such details and the making of revisions as the Council may reasonably require in the light of the terms and the nature and effect of the contract constituted by the said acceptance.

DATED this .....................................day of.................................<Insert Year>

[SIGNED as a Deed by...............................................

[a Director and Secretary], Directoror [two Directors]

...............................................[Director/Secretary]]

75