Supervised Toothbrushing Programme

Overview

This was a procurement under the Health Care Services ( Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. There are no specific notices for that procurement regime. The Council has used the competitive procedure under those regulations. This procurement is to deliver the national Supervised Toothbrushing Programme across Norfolk, in selected early year settings for 3-5 year olds that have been identified using deprivation data by Public Health. Providers will provide coordination of the programme, engage with settings, provide training to staff, data reporting and quality assurance. In respect of Local Government Reorganisation (“LGR”), on 7 September 2026 the government withdrew an earlier decision that it was minded to establish three unitary councils for Norfolk and announced a ‘rapid review’ of its LGR programme in respect of Norfolk and some other areas. On 4 December 2025, the then Secretary of State for Local Government made a written statement [UIN HCWS1128] stating that the government intended to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk as soon as possible, and that it was minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections in May 2028. On 7 September 2026, the current Secretary of State said: “The Prime Minister is really clear that the Government’s ambition is to ensure that every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028”. Should LGR and/or devolution processes lead to unitary local government in Norfolk and/or to the establishment of a strategic authority covering Norfolk (i) the contract may be transferred, assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to the county council, or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor and/or to any strategic authority; and/or (ii) the council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries. The winning provider scored the highest for quality and price combined. The winning bidder provided a clear and comprehensive delivery model that addressed all areas of the question, including engagement, training, staffing, incentive funding and quality assurance. The response showed good value for money and a good collaborative/partnership approach. Health inequalities and access was well covered.