QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk
Suffolk County CouncilEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
10 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
Home to School Transport: QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk
AI Analysis
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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
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.
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Buyer Profile
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILKey Dates
Published
10 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
opportunity
Source
ted eu
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