Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework
A practical guide to understanding what the Department for Education really wants and how to build a winning response.
It's not just about CPD
When you look at this framework, don't get stuck on the phrase "Continuing Professional Development".
Yes, it's about CPD.
But it's really about transformation.
The Department for Education wants to revolutionise SEND and inclusion across schools and colleges.
That means your approach should focus on impact — how your services will change the landscape for educators and students alike.
The framework will cover everything from research and content development to training delivery, so think broadly about how you can contribute to this mission.
Understand the different Sub-Lots
The framework is divided into Sub-Lots, which means you need to be strategic about where you bid.
- Sub-Lot 1.1: School Teachers and Leaders (£40m)
- Sub-Lot 1.2: Further Education Teachers and Leaders (£23m)
- Sub-Lot 1.3: Teaching Assistants (£35m)
- Sub-Lot 1.4: Further Education Support Staff (£17m)
- Sub-Lot 1.5: Combined Audiences (£235m)
Each Sub-Lot targets different groups, and your submission should reflect that.
If you're focusing on School Teachers and Leaders, tailor your approach to their specific needs and challenges.
The same goes for Teaching Assistants — what do they need to effectively support SEND students?
Think about long-term relationships, not just a place on the framework
Getting onto the framework is a significant achievement.
But remember, it's only the first step.
You want to be the go-to provider when the Department needs to award call-off contracts.
That means building trust and demonstrating your reliability from the start.
Make sure your submission shows how you'll deliver high-quality services consistently over the framework's duration.
Pay attention to what they say
The Department is clear: this framework supports workforce development and SEND reform.
They’re not just looking for CPD providers.
They want partners who can help transform the way SEND is delivered across the education sector.
Your submission needs to demonstrate how you align with these strategic goals.
Know the difference between framework and standalone contracts
This opportunity includes both a framework and up to seven standalone contracts.
The standalone contracts are substantial, with significant values attached.
- Lot 2: School and Further Education Teachers and Leaders – up to five contracts
- Lot 3: Teaching Assistants – one contract
- Lot 4: Further Education Support Staff – one contract
Make sure you understand the nuances between these opportunities.
Winning a standalone contract is different from securing a place on the framework.
Evidence always carries more weight than promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
Showcase case studies, testimonials and measurable outcomes from previous projects.
Consistency over the framework term
Think about how you'll maintain quality and consistency over a potential seven-year framework.
This isn't a one-off project.
It requires sustained effort and robust management processes.
Consider how you'll handle staffing, recruitment and performance management to ensure high standards are maintained.
Make life easier for the Department
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be explaining how my management processes make life easier for the Department for Education.
How will you handle participant recruitment and stakeholder engagement to minimise their effort?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too narrowly on CPD without addressing broader SEND reform goals
- Fail to differentiate between the needs of different Sub-Lots
- Overpromise without sufficient evidence to back claims
- Don't address long-term management and consistency
- Ignore the distinction between framework and standalone contracts
- Lack clarity in how they will ease the Department's workload
- Overlook the importance of digital learning solutions
- Miss the opportunity to showcase past success in similar projects
My Final Thoughts
Remember, the Department for Education is looking for partners, not just providers.
This framework is a tool for them to support SEND reform and workforce development.
With a total estimated value of £781 million over its maximum term, the stakes are high.
Quality is paramount, so your written submission carries significant weight.
Focus on how you can contribute to the larger goals, not just the mechanics of CPD.
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.