Best Start in Life - School Based Commission to provide strategic leadership, expertise and co-ordination to strengthen early years practice across the City of York

The City of York Council is seeking a school or school-led partnership to provide strategic leadership, expertise, and coordination to strengthen early years practice across York. This initiative is a key component of the Best Start in Life plan, aiming to ensure all children from pregnancy to age five experience connection, support, and belonging. The commissioned partner will collaborate with the local authority, York-based schools, RISE Reception Networks, Stronger Practice Hubs, Family Hubs, early years settings, and neighbourhood teams to reduce city-wide inequalities and increase the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development. The contract is estimated to run from February 15, 2027, to February 14, 2029, with a possible extension to February 14, 2030. The total estimated value is 120,000 GBP excluding VAT, or 144,000 GBP including VAT. Award decisions will be based on the most advantageous tender using a quality-to-price ratio of 70:30. Interested parties must submit their proposals via the YorTender portal by the deadline of November 13, 2026, at 12:00pm.