Provision of emotional well-being programme (PATHS) within primary schools in St Helens

The NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board is in the process of awarding the contract for the provision of an emotional well-being programme (PATHS) within primary schools in St Helens. Focusing on health services, this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and marks the start of a standstill period following a decision approved on 27th March 2025. The contract, valued at £168,900, is set to commence on 1st September 2025, running until 31st August 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year until 31st August 2028.

The procurement process is a limited procedure without prior publication, catering to the specific needs outlined by the institution to ensure proper alignment with its strategic goals. This tender presents a significant business growth opportunity for providers specialising in health services and emotional well-being programmes, particularly those with experience in educational settings. The PATHS programme prioritizes qualities like self-control, emotional understanding, and interpersonal problem-solving skills, and is ideally suited for organisations that can collaboratively innovate and integrate within primary education frameworks.

Businesses familiar with the unique demands of school-based health programmes and those capable of meeting high standards of quality and innovation stand to benefit from this procurement. The limited award method allows the incumbent provider, Barnardos, to leverage its existing programme delivery to continue their collaboration, potentially fostering long-term partnerships and sustainability within the sector.