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395832-2026 · opportunity

QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk

Suffolk County Council

Estimated Value

Not specified

Deadline

Not specified

Published

10 June 2026

Type

services

GBrestrictedCPV: 60000000

Overview

Home to School Transport: QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk

AI Analysis

Powered by AI — always verify against official documents

Medium Complexity

Suffolk County Council is seeking a transport provider to run a daily home-to-school route for pupils with special educational needs. The service runs from Haverhill to The Hive @ Exning Primary School in Newmarket, departing at 09:00 on school days from May 2026.

Requirements

  • Valid operator's licence for passenger transport (O-licence or equivalent)
  • Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance for all staff
  • Driver qualification: full JRCPT (passenger-carrying vehicle) PCV licence or equivalent
  • Safeguarding training and awareness of special educational needs
  • Insurance cover for school transport (employer's liability and public liability minimum)
  • Health and Safety compliance and risk assessment procedures
  • COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) compliance if applicable
  • Ability to manage pupils with additional needs and behavioural support where required
  • Vehicle meets DVSA standards and safety regulations for carrying children

Key Tasks & Deliverables

  • Provide daily morning transport from Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Newmarket
  • Depart Haverhill at 09:00 on each school day (term-time only, from May 2026)
  • Transport pupils with special educational needs safely and on time
  • Manage pick-up and drop-off points as specified by the council
  • Maintain vehicle cleanliness and safety standards throughout the contract
  • Keep accurate records of attendance and any incidents or safeguarding concerns
  • Communicate with parents and school staff regarding any delays or issues
  • Provide trained, vetted staff to accompany pupils if required by the council

How to Read This Tender

  • 1This is a 'home to school transport' contract — it's specifically for children, so safeguarding and DBS clearance are non-negotiable. Check the full tender document for exact pupil numbers, any specific behavioural support needs, and whether you need an escort/supervisor on board.
  • 2The date '2026-05-07' is the contract start date, not the closing date for bids. Look for the actual tender closing date and contract length (usually 1–3 years for school transport). Ask the council: is this a one-year contract or longer?
  • 3Suffolk County Council will have detailed specifications in the full tender pack. Download it immediately and check: exact pick-up/drop-off addresses, number of pupils, timetable variations (e.g. holidays, inset days), and whether escorting staff are your responsibility or the council's.
  • 4School transport contracts often include performance metrics like punctuality, attendance records, and safeguarding audits. Budget for DBS renewal costs, staff training, and potential vehicle maintenance.
  • 5This is a public sector tender — responses must comply with the Public Contracts Regulations. Ensure your bid clearly addresses evaluation criteria (usually cost and quality weighted). Vague answers lose points.

Tips for Small Businesses

  • Subcontracting opportunity: if you're a small operator without a full O-licence or vehicle fleet, approach established school transport providers and offer to act as a backup or niche service (e.g. handling pupils with complex needs). Alternatively, partner with another small operator to share vehicles and risk.
  • Social value scoring matters: highlight any local hire, apprenticeships for drivers, or environmental commitments (e.g. low-emission vehicles, electric buses) in your bid. Suffolk councils often weight social value at 20–30%, so this can be a competitive edge for small businesses.
  • Clarify all costs upfront with the council: ask whether they provide or reimburse fuel, maintenance, insurance, and staff supervision. School transport margins are typically tight, so get clear unit pricing per pupil per day before bidding. Request a meeting with the commissioning team to understand expectations.

Likely incumbents

Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.

1 found
  1. 1

    Hawk Express Cabs Ltd

    1 contract wonlatest 5 May 2026ends 1 May 2031

    £21,145

    total awarded

Hawk Express Cabs Ltd is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.

Actions

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Buyer Profile

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Typepublic body
RegionAny region
Total contracts17
Total spend£0
View buyer profile

Key Dates

Published

10 June 2026

Submission deadline

Not specified

Notice type

opportunity

Source

ted eu

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