Published date: 12 July 2018

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 25 July 2018

Contract summary

Industry

  • Research and development services and related consultancy services - 73000000

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£80,000 to £99,000

Procurement reference

RPPU2018/046

Published date

12 July 2018

Closing date

25 July 2018

Contract start date

10 September 2018

Contract end date

28 March 2019

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (below threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements below the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a course taken by people who do not speak English as their first language. DfE funds a range of ESOL courses designed to enable learners to navigate everyday life and work in the UK.
The Department is aiming to explore learner perspectives, specifically how they experience ESOL provision and any barriers faced by learners and non-learners when trying to access ESOL provision. We are also aiming to look at provider perspectives including, the demand for ESOL and how provision is managed.
Overarching aim of research project
Explore how provision meets the needs of different types of adult (19+) ESOL learners, specifically with regards to the accessibility of provision, pathways and progression and the availability of appropriate information. Also, to better understand the needs of non-learners.

Methodology
The Department will be inviting a two-stage research methodology at the invitation to tender stage.

Stage one (feasibility and survey)
Feasibility study:
• Qualitative research with ESOL providers
• Focus groups or paired interviews with learners to take place during the provider visits.
• Consultation and engagement with local community groups to test the feasibility of accessing non-learners through these groups or through existing learners' contacts.
Online provider survey
The department would like some early findings on specific questions and requires a survey of ESOL provider.

Stage two
Main stage informed by the feasibility work that will expand research with providers, learners and non learners.

Sampling
The department will assist with providing data for sampling from the ILR and other government departments' data for both the qualitative work and the provider survey.

More information

Attachments

Additional text

Deadline for EOI's - 12pm on 25th July 2018

About the buyer

Contact name

Eve Schofield

Address

St Pauls Place
Sheffield
S1 4PQ
England

Email

eve.schofield@education.gov.uk