Child Poverty Reduction Programme - Regional Childcare Strategy

This invitation to tender (ITT) invites bidders to develop a Regional Childcare Strategy for the North East Combined Authority region as part of a wider programme of work delivering against the North East child poverty action plan. This ITT will comprise one lot for the whole of the region covering the local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.

The purpose of this commission for a Regional Childcare Strategy is to assimilate a robust, evidence-based strategy, framework for action and recommendations to drive forward the work of the North East Combined Authority, its constituent authorities and other regional partners and stakeholders. The commissioned organisation and its partners will be responsible for ensuring that the work represents the diverse experiences from across the region and system; recognising local nuance and focussing on the experiences of low-income families and the priority groups identified in the regional child poverty action plan (Annexe 1).

We are seeking a partnership approach to this work, providing diverse perspectives on this complex challenge. The approach will be evidence-led with the views and needs of parents/carers and communities at its heart.

The work will engage with professionals and other local, regional, and national stakeholders. Deadline for clarification questions is 16th January 2026 5pm.