Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd0-4c91-7237-bc1d-c69fb503c750/best-start-in-life-match-fund closed GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Best Start in Life Match Fund [Department for Education](https://tendernation.io/buyers/department-for-education) Often single bidder Estimated value £2,625,000 Published 1 Jul 2026 Deadline Closed 31 Jul 2026 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender ### Overview / requirement The Department for Education is procuring a Supplier to act as the Delivery Partner for the Best Start in Life Match Fund programme. The programme forms part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child has the Best Start in Life by transforming early years systems and supports Local Authorities to achieve the ambitions for early child development including through the Best Start Family Hubs programme through match-funded investment, capacity building, and learning and evaluation. The Best Start in Life Match Fund programme enables Local Authorities to establish and sustain Collective Impact partnerships with Backbone Organisations or functions. These partnerships strengthen local delivery by providing dedicated coordination, aligning partners across the system, and building the operational infrastructure required for effective collaboration. This approach is designed to help integrate services into a coherent system, and improve outcomes, reduce inequalities, and enhance the experience of families. A single Supplier (the Lead Supplier if acting on behalf of a Consortium) will be appointed on the basis of an initial Contract Period of three years, with the option for the Department to extend the Contract by up to two additional years on a one plus one basis. In its capacity as Fund Manager, the Delivery Partner will administer the matched funds passed through to the Backbone Organisations, manage relationships with Local Authorities and philanthropic Funders, and ensure robust governance, financial control and reporting. The Delivery Partner will also be responsible for ensuring that Knowledge Mobilisation Management and Evaluation Partner functions are delivered, either through its own delivery model or via Consortium partners or Subcontractors. Read full description ## CPV classification Banking and investment services Investment banking services and related services Financial management consultancy services Community action programme Other community, social and personal services Evaluation consultancy services Welfare services for children and young people Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-05e38d-2026-07-01T09:39:20+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-05e38d-2026-07-01T09:39:20+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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