Supervised Toothbrushing Programme

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intended approach notice. Portsmouth City Council ('the Council') is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers for the provision of the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme.

The Council wishes to award a contract via the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulation 2023, Most Suitable Provider Process. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act Regulations 2023 do not apply to this award.

This notice is to enable providers to approach the Council and express their interest in being considered as the most suitable provider. This will be published for 14 days as per the requirements of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulation 2023.

The Council is envisaging awarding on 1st July 2026 with a contract commencement on 1st September 2026. The contract term will be for 2 (two) years with the possibility to extend for a further 12 (twelve) months.

The Public Health team in Portsmouth is procuring delivery of the National Supervised Toothbrushing Programme for the city, contributing to the Local Authority's holistic children and families' offer. The provider will primarily be responsible for the delivery of the supervised toothbrushing programme within targeted school settings in Portsmouth, in line with the national funding criteria.

In addition, there will be a requirement to contribute to the surveillance data around tooth decay via dental screening, plus deliver the evidence-based preventative programme of fluoride varnish to consented children. Due to the nature of the settings and needs of children (and families), a flexible and adaptive, multi-faceted approach will be needed to respond to need e.g. Special Education Needs and Disabilities [SEND], age of children, literacy levels, English as an Additional Language [EAL] etc. Ultimately supporting an increase in good oral hygiene, a reduction in tooth decay in children (including tooth extractions and hospital visits for reasons linked to preventable oral health issues) and a reduction in health inequalities, through the targeting approach, supporting every child in Portsmouth to have the best start in life.

The Public Health team in Portsmouth is procuring delivery of the National Supervised Toothbrushing Programme for the city, contributing to the Local Authority's holistic children and families' offer. The provider will primarily be responsible for the delivery of the supervised toothbrushing programme within early years settings in Portsmouth, in line with the national funding criteria. Due to the nature of the settings and needs of children (and families), a flexible and adaptive, multi-faceted approach will be needed to respond to need e.g. Special Education Needs and Disabilities [SEND], age of children, literacy levels, English as an Additional Language [EAL] etc. Ultimately supporting an increase in good oral hygiene, a reduction in tooth decay in children (including tooth extractions and hospital visits for reasons linked to preventable oral health issues) and a reduction in health inequalities, through the targeting approach, supporting every child in Portsmouth to have the best start in life.