WCC - Market Testing Residential Services for Children in Care

This is not a tender process, this is a market engagement exercise.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is currently reviewing its approach to commissioning residential homes for children and planning its future strategy.

We would like to hear about your services and gather your views.

The Warwickshire Residential Services contract expires on 6th May 2026 and the Council needs to consider options for new services to commence from 7th May 2026.

WCC have a clear trajectory in developing its own internal children's home delivery model over the next 5yrs.

WCC remain a commissioning authority and will continue to operate a blended model approach for children in care services.

WCC therefore would like to work with providers to explore potential opportunities and innovative solutions to address areas current challenges and plan for future need outside of the scope of its internal provision.

Providers will need to be Ofsted registered or have plans to register with Ofsted in the future, including CQC provisions who are willing to progress dual registration.

Given the diverse needs of our children in care it is important for future service delivery WCC are able to engage with a range of providers across the sector to broaden opportunity and choice as well as inform future commissioning strategy and develop innovative solutions.

WCC is keen to support all Children in Care to stay in Warwickshire close to their families and networks where that is their wish, and it is safe to do so.

Occasionally this will not be their preference or may not be safe, WCC therefore needs to consider approaches which includes sourcing out of county provision.

Your participation will also contribute ideas as to how the current services may be improved.

WCC wants to understand the market and ensure that it continues to commission value for money, quality residential children's homes services that best meet the needs of the young people in its care.

WCC is very keen to hear your views.

Even if you cannot answer all the questions, please still complete what you can and/or provide short answers as it is important that we get as many responses as possible from a range of providers across the sector to broaden our understanding and inform future commissioning strategy.

Please return your completed document by emailing it to: rachelthomas@warwickshire.gov.uk by noon (12:00hrs) on the 31st January 2025.