Autism Support Service

Overview

Autism is one of the fastest-growing areas of need in Birmingham. There are over 4,000 school-aged children with an autism diagnosis across the city, which is a higher prevalence than national averages, indicating a significant local need. In 2022 autism had increased by 25% over three years. Throughout the UK autism prevalence in children is estimated at 1–3% of the population, with recent studies suggesting 1 in 36 children aged eight years have an autism diagnosis. The commissioned service will provide a joint working model within the Trust Early Help Service. The Early Help service consists of one Targeted Family Help team and a Voluntary sector team in each of the 10 districts across Birmingham and the commissioned service will also need to align with The Family Hub offer. The commissioned service will provide direct interventions to children and young people with autism and their families. The specialist interventions will be specifically related to support associated with the child or young person’s autism. The brief will also include upskilling practitioners within the Early Help service, offering advice, guidance and training on autism enabling practitioners to respond effectively to families, this will include providing shadowing opportunities for recently trained staff from the partnerships. The duration of the contract will be for one year, with the option to extend for up to two years (1 + 1 + 1), commencing on 1st April 2026. The contract will be reviewed on an annual basis with a break clause after March 2027, and each subsequent year; with the continuation of the contract based on funding availability and performance. The contract value for the year is £491,096. A Pipeline Notice was published on the 05 June 2025 (2025/S 000-030365) and a Planned Procurement Notice was published on 05 May 2025 (2025/S 000-030347). The Trust will be using its free to use e-tendering system (in-tend) for the administration of this procurement process and potential suppliers must register with the system to be able to express an interest. If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity, please click on the following link to access https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc/ and submit your details to register. You will then be able to log on which will enable you to download all relevant quotation documentation. If you are unable to register with In-tend or have any questions or problems on how to use this web site please either email us at: etendering@birmingham.gov.uk Your completed tender submission should be returned by noon on 2nd January 2026 via the ‘in-tend’ system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc