Basingstoke Early Years Specialist Hub Provision

Overview

Hampshire County Council Children's Services, through the Basingstoke Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Service for Young Children Inclusion Team, is seeking to procure an Early Years Specialist Hub Provision for the district of Basingstoke and Deane. This service forms part of the Council's inclusive early years education offer and will include a defined number of reserved places for pre-school children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). In addition, the service will provide outreach support to private, voluntary, and independent early years providers. This provision plays a critical role in supporting early years children with complex developmental needs and is aligned with Hampshire's strategic priorities for inclusion and early intervention. The service specification outlines a targeted model of delivery through a specialist nursery hub, focusing on early identification, timely intervention, and multi-agency collaboration. The overarching aim is to reduce the need for statutory intervention by offering preventative support during a pivotal stage in a child's development. The delivery model incorporates structured support from experienced practitioners, tailored learning environments, and coordinated input from health, education, and social care professionals. Operating within Hampshire's strategic framework, the service is expected to contribute to improved school readiness, reduced inequalities, and better outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. The specification also includes defined performance measures, eligibility criteria, and expectations for partnership working to ensure the service remains impactful, accountable, and responsive to local needs. The initial term will be for three years, with extensions of up to a further two years. The new contract will commence on 1st September 2027.