Planning a new sensory environment is exciting, but there can be a lot to think about beyond simply choosing the right sensory equipment. From budgets and finding the right supplier to procurement requirements and compliance, sensory room procurement can sometimes feel more complicated than the project itself.
For schools, healthcare providers, local authorities and other public sector organisations, procurement frameworks can help make that process much simpler. They provide an established route to approved suppliers, helping organisations purchase with greater confidence, save valuable time and take some of the complexity out of public sector procurement.
ESPOis one of the organisations offering a range of procurement frameworks, helping eligible organisations access goods and services through established, compliant purchasing routes.
So, how do these frameworks actually work? We’ll break down the benefits, how ESPO fits in and how using a framework can make planning your next sensory project simpler.
What is a Procurement Framework?
In simple terms, a procurement framework is an agreement that gives organisations an established way to purchase goods or services from suppliers that have already been through a formal selection process.
Rather than starting from scratch each time you need to make a purchase, a framework provides access to a selection of approved suppliers who have already been assessed against set criteria. This can include areas such as their experience, capabilities, financial stability and ability to deliver the required goods or services.
For schools, healthcare providers, local authorities and other public sector organisations, this can take some of the groundwork out of the procurement process. Instead of searching for suppliers and navigating a full tendering process independently, you have a structured purchasing route and a list of suppliers that have already met the framework’s requirements.
When it comes to sensory room procurement, this means you can focus more of your attention on finding the right sensory solution for your space and the people who will use it, while following an established procurement route.
Why use a Framework to Procure a Sensory Environment?
When you’re planning a new sensory room or environment, the focus should be on creating a space that works for the people using it. A procurement framework can help make the purchasing side of your project simpler and easier to navigate.
Using a procurement framework gives schools and other public sector organisations an established route to approved suppliers, while supporting a compliant and efficient procurement process. Some of the key benefits include:
- A simpler procurement process
A framework gives you a clear route to follow, meaning you don’t have to begin the supplier search completely from scratch. With much of the initial groundwork already carried out, you can spend more time focusing on your sensory project and what you need from the space.
- Confidence in your supplier
Suppliers appointed to a framework have already been through a formal evaluation process and assessed against set criteria. This gives you added reassurance when choosing a sensory room supplier, particularly when you’re investing in a bespoke environment designed around specific needs.
- Added reassurance for schools and trusts
For schools and trusts, ESPO Framework 115 is approved by the Department for Education (DfE).
DfE-approved frameworks are assessed across areas including compliance, ease of use, suitability and value for money, giving education settings added confidence when choosing a procurement route. As Lot 11 – Indoor Sensory & Soft Play Equipment sits within Framework 115, schools and trusts looking to procure sensory equipment or a complete sensory environment can benefit from this DfE-approved route.
- Saving valuable time
Public sector procurement can involve a number of steps. Using an established framework can help streamline the process and, depending on the purchasing route available, avoid the need to carry out a full tender exercise independently.
- Supporting procurement compliance
Frameworks provide an established purchasing route designed around public procurement requirements. This can make it easier for organisations to meet their procurement responsibilities while accessing approved suppliers.
- Finding the right value
Good procurement isn’t just about finding the lowest price, it’s about finding the right solution for your budget and requirements. A framework can help organisations consider quality, experience and suitability alongside cost when investing in sensory equipment or a complete sensory environment.
Frameworks Aren’t Just For Schools…
Procurement frameworks are often associated with schools and education, but their use extends much further across the public sector. The ESPO Frameworks can be accessed by a wide range of eligible organisations, making it a useful procurement route for sensory projects across different sectors.
From schools, academies and SEND settings to healthcare providers, local authorities, care environments and registered charities, sensory spaces can support people with a wide range of needs and in many different settings.
The purpose of the space may look different in each environment. A school might be looking to create a sensory room to support pupils with SEND, while a healthcare or care setting may need a calming space to support patients, residents or service users. Local authorities and charities may also be looking for accessible sensory provision within community or specialist facilities.
Whatever the setting, using an established procurement framework for sensory equipment and environments can provide a clearer route to finding an approved supplier and progressing your project with confidence.
Completed Public Sector Sensory Installation Through The ESPO Framework.
Sensory Technology On The ESPO Framework
Sensory Technology is proud to be an approved supplier on the ESPO Framework, providing organisations with an established procurement route when planning their next sensory project.
We are included on ESPO’s Outdoor Playground Equipment, Fitness & Sports Facilities and Equipment Framework (115), under Lot 11 – Indoor Sensory & Soft Play Equipment. Through the framework, eligible organisations can access our range of sensory solutions, from individual sensory equipment through to complete, bespoke sensory rooms and environments.
Every sensory project is different, so our approach starts with understanding the space, the people who will be using it and what you want the environment to achieve. From there, we can support you through the design and planning stages, equipment selection and installation to create a solution tailored to your requirements.
By choosing an approved ESPO sensory equipment supplier, you can combine the reassurance of an established procurement framework with the knowledge and support of a specialist sensory provider, helping make the journey from initial idea to completed environment as straightforward as possible.
Completed Sensory Room Project through the ESPO Framework.
What Does The Procurement Journey Actually Look Like?
If you’re new to procurement frameworks, knowing where to start can sometimes be the hardest part. ESPO provides a clear customer journey to guide you through the process, from exploring the relevant framework through to making your purchase.
- Find and explore the relevant framework
Start by visiting the relevant framework page on the ESPO website, where you can explore its scope, benefits and approved suppliers.
For sensory projects, you’ll find Sensory Technology on ESPO Framework 115 – Outdoor Playground Equipment, Fitness & Sports Facilities and Equipment, under Lot 11 – Indoor Sensory & Soft Play Equipment.
- Register and access the framework
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register for an ESPO account. Once your account has been activated, you can access the framework User Guide, which provides more detailed information on how to use it.
You’ll also be asked to complete an Access & Confidentiality Agreement. This registers your interest and gives you access to the framework, but importantly, it doesn’t commit you to making a purchase.
- Choose the right procurement route
Once you have access to the relevant documents, you can follow the purchasing process outlined in the framework User Guide. Depending on the framework and your requirements, this may be through a direct award or further competition.
A direct award allows you to place an order directly with the most suitable supplier where this option is available, while a further competition gives you the opportunity to outline your specific requirements and evaluate suppliers against set criteria.
- Progress your sensory project
Once you’ve identified the appropriate procurement route, you can begin progressing the requirements of your sensory project.
This is where we can work with you to understand your space, the people who will be using it and what you want your sensory environment to achieve, considering everything from equipment and room design to budget and installation.
- Confirm your award
Once your purchase has been awarded, ESPO asks customers to complete a Confirmation of Award (COA) through the relevant framework page, letting them know that a purchase has been made.
Want to see the full process? Download ESPO’s Customer Journey guide for a step-by-step overview of using an ESPO Framework.
Planning a sensory project? We’re here to help!
Whether you’re planning a sensory room for a school, developing a calming environment within a healthcare or care setting, or exploring sensory provision for another public sector organisation, understanding your procurement options early can help make the journey that little bit smoother.
As an approved supplier on the ESPO Framework, Sensory Technology can support you from the early stages of your project through to design, equipment selection and installation – creating a sensory environment that is shaped around your space, budget and the needs of the people using it.
If you’re considering using the ESPO Procurement Framework for your next sensory project, you can find Sensory Technology on Framework 115, Lot 11 – Indoor Sensory & Soft Play Equipment.
Explore our purchasing framework information to learn more, or speak to our team about your project and how we can help.
