AfC Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what support really means
When I look at this tender, it's not just about providing information.
It's about supporting families, children and young people through some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Achieving for Children isn't just buying a service.
They're looking for a partner who can provide genuine support and guidance for young people with special educational needs and their families.
The contract covers impartial advice and support in Kingston and Richmond, with a focus on helping users navigate personal budgets, local offers and transitions into adulthood.
Don't underestimate the human element
Yes, there are formal requirements.
But at its heart, this service is about people.
The families and young people using SENDIASS need empathy, patience and understanding.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my team interacts with and supports these families.
It's not just about ticking boxes.
It's about making a difference in their lives.
Pay attention to what they say
Achieving for Children is clear about what they need.
They've highlighted the importance of transition support and preparing for adulthood.
They've also emphasised the need for mediation advice and support on benefits.
These aren't just optional extras.
They're central to what the service provides.
That's what I'd make sure my submission emphasises.
Evidence always beats promises
I've seen many bidders make grand claims.
But it's the evidence that counts.
If you've got a track record of supporting families with special educational needs, showcase it.
- Case studies of successful transitions
- Testimonials from families you've helped
- Data that demonstrates improved outcomes for young people
That's what will make your submission stand out.
Remember who you're trying to convince
Your audience isn't just the procurement team.
It's the families and young people who rely on SENDIASS.
I'd write my tender with them in mind, making sure every part of my service is tailored to their needs.
How will your service make their lives easier?
That's the question I'd keep answering throughout my submission.
Show how you'll make life easier for Achieving for Children
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how my management processes make life easier for Achieving for Children.
- Streamlined communication channels
- Efficient handling of reports and assessments
- Proactive issue resolution
These are the things that can make a real difference.
Think long-term
This isn't just a short-term contract.
With the potential to extend to 2034, it's a long-term partnership.
I'd focus on how I plan to deliver consistent quality over the whole term.
- Staff retention strategies
- Ongoing training and development
- Regular performance reviews
These are the things that will reassure Achieving for Children that you're in it for the long haul.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the end of the day, it's about the young people and their families.
I'd keep asking myself, "Is this service truly meeting their needs?"
If your submission can answer that question confidently, you're on the right track.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on process and not enough on people
- Lack evidence of past success in similar services
- Overlook the importance of transition and adulthood preparation
- Ignore the need for mediation and benefits support
- Fail to address long-term quality and consistency
- Don't demonstrate a genuine understanding of the local context
- Are too generic and not tailored to Achieving for Children's specific needs
My Final Thoughts
Achieving for Children is looking for a partner who understands the importance of supporting families and young people with special educational needs.
With a contract value of £1,155,000 and the opportunity to extend to 2034, there's a real commitment to creating a lasting impact.
The emphasis on quality over price means your written submission needs to shine.
Focus on the evidence, the people and how your service will make a real difference.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.