How to apply for a children's home tender
Children's homes are regulated by Ofsted, not CQC. To bid for local authority placements you must hold Ofsted registration under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, with a registered manager and a current rating. Most councils buy placements through regional frameworks or dynamic purchasing systems run by consortia. They score your Ofsted rating, statement of purpose, safeguarding, staffing and outcomes for children. No registration means no eligible bid.
Ofsted registration is the gate, not CQC
Children's homes sit with Ofsted under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the associated Quality Standards. CQC has no role here, so do not cite CQC ratings in a children's bid. You need a registered home, a registered manager, and a clear statement of purpose. Commissioners check your latest full and interim Ofsted judgements, your Regulation 44 visitor reports and your Regulation 45 quality reviews. A home not yet rated, or rated Inadequate, will usually be screened out. If you are opening a new home, expect the framework to ask for your registration timeline and evidence the home will be ready and registered before placements start.
How placements are commissioned and scored
Most children's placements are bought through regional commissioning frameworks or dynamic purchasing systems, often run by consortia like a regional placement service. You apply through their portal, complete a selection questionnaire, then quality questions on safeguarding, matching, education, therapeutic approach and outcomes. Commissioners score how you keep children safe, how you reduce placement breakdown, and how you support education and emotional wellbeing. Concrete outcomes and a clear matching process beat general statements. We run a free eligibility check first. If your Ofsted position, staffing or statement of purpose will not pass, we tell you before you spend anything.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. See our children's services tender writing or text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
Does CQC or Ofsted regulate children's homes?
Ofsted regulates children's homes in England under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. CQC does not. Any bid that relies on CQC evidence for a children's home is answering the wrong regulator.
Can I bid before my children's home is Ofsted registered?
Sometimes. Some frameworks accept new providers with a credible registration timeline, but you cannot take placements until registered. Read the specification, because many require a current full Ofsted rating at the point of application.
How are children's home placements usually bought?
Through regional frameworks or dynamic purchasing systems run by council consortia, with individual placements called off as needs arise. You join the framework first, then receive referrals matched to your home's statement of purpose.
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Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.