Supervised Toothbrushing Programme

This is a procurement under the Health Care Services ( Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. There are no specific notices for that procurement regime. The Council has used the competitive procedure under those regulations. This is a notice of intention to award notice.

This procurement is to deliver the national Supervised Toothbrushing Programme across Norfolk, in selected early year settings for 3-5 year olds that have been identified using deprivation data by Public Health. Providers will provide coordination of the programme, engage with settings, provide training to staff, data reporting and quality assurance.

Please note on 19 November 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness made a written statement [UIN HCWS1071] saying that three proposals for unitary local government in Norfolk had been received – these could entail the creation of one, two or three unitary councils.

The Minister announced a consultation exercise, which ended on 11 January 2026. The Minister stated that “once the consultations have concluded, the Government will assess the proposals against the criteria in the invitation and decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposals are to be implemented, with or without modification”. The Government has confirmed that it is minded to create three unitary Councils, subject to parliamentary approval.

On 4 December 2025, the Secretary of State for Local Government made a written statement [UIN HCWS1128] stating that the government intends to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk as soon as possible, and that it is minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections in May 2028.

Should these processes lead to unitary local government in Norfolk and/or to the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Norfolk (i) the contract may be transferred, assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to the council, or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor and/or to any Mayoral Strategic Authority; and/or (ii) the council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.

The winning provider scored the highest for quality and price combined. The winning bidder provided a clear and comprehensive delivery model that addressed all areas of the question, including engagement, training, staffing, incentive funding and quality assurance. The response showed good value for money and a good collaborative/partnership approach. Health inequalities and access was well covered.

Assistant Director, Public Health Commissioning

The decision makers were the Assistant Director of Public Health Commissioning.

No conflicts of interest were declared.

This procurement does not involve the establishment of a framework agreement.