Upcoming
Market engagement for Specialist Speech and Language Therapy (AAC) for school age children
West Northamptonshire Council · Local authority
In brief
West Northamptonshire Council has announced plans to buy education work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.
The notice does not state a value.
The contract runs for 1 year, starting 1 December 2026.
The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
Can I win this?
Competition
Typical: a median of 4 bids per contract for this buyer (from 12 awards in the last 12 months).
What the notice says
Fairfields School (Northampton) has been awarded the commission to deliver the local High-Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) service for children across Northamptonshire. As part of our service development, we are inviting independent Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy organisations with specialist AAC expertise to join an online market engagement event. We are seeking specialist Speech and Language Therapy support to work alongside our multidisciplinary team in delivering the local High-Tech AAC service. The initial requirement is anticipated to be: • 2 days per week • 40 weeks per year (term time only) • Potential for extension subject to…Read the full description
Fairfields School (Northampton) has been awarded the commission to deliver the local High-Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) service for children across Northamptonshire.
As part of our service development, we are inviting independent Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy organisations with specialist AAC expertise to join an online market engagement event.
We are seeking specialist Speech and Language Therapy support to work alongside our multidisciplinary team in delivering the local High-Tech AAC service.
The initial requirement is anticipated to be:
• 2 days per week
• 40 weeks per year (term time only)
• Potential for extension subject to service demand and contract continuation
We are interested in engaging with providers who can demonstrate:
• Qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist with specialist AAC knowledge and experience (Band 6 or above equivalent)
• Experience undertaking comprehensive assessments and recommending appropriate communication pathways, devices and software solutions
• The ability to produce clear assessment reports and evidence-based recommendations
• Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across education, health and social care
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload
• Knowledge and application of Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs) to evidence impact
• Experience delivering training and support to professionals, families and carers
• The ability to contribute to robust reports that demonstrate outcomes and impact through data and evidence
• A person-centred approach that actively involves children, young people and families in communication planning and goal setting
• The ability to motivate, engage and support young people throughout their communication journey
Essential Requirements
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
How to bid
- Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
- Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
Timeline
- Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 095238-2026
About the buyer
West Northamptonshire CouncilLast 12 months
Procurements
526Awards
429Suppliers it has used most for education
- Acorn Training Ltd1 contract
- Central Consultancy & Training Ltd1 contract
- Entire Club Ltd1 contract
- Maynard Design Consultancy Limited1 contract
Similar open tenders
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- £6mestimated
- £300mframework ceiling
From notice 095238-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 8 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 8 October 2026.