Where Care Excellence Meets Business Success. Transform your operations today - 0333 577 0877
We are here to help 24/7.

PlanningChild daycare servicesCPV: 80110000

Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants)

North Ayrshire
Published 19 Aug, 2025
Contract Value
Not specified
View Official Notice

Overview

Summary, notice description and lot information

Summary of the contracting process

North Ayrshire Council is currently in the planning stage of the procurement process for their "Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants)." The framework, categorised under services, aims to provide early learning and childcare services and is open to new applicants throughout its duration. Interested providers must meet the National Standards and relevant legislative conditions as stipulated by the council.

The procurement process, identified under CPV codes such as 85312110, will be carried out mainly in North Ayrshire, with the framework remaining active until 31st July 2025. Evaluations of submitted applications will occur within 4 to 6 weeks of receipt, allowing successful providers to start delivering services from their date of appointment. This procurement presents a unique opportunity for businesses in early learning, childcare services, and childminding, especially those from private, voluntary, and third sectors, to expand their service offerings and clientele under the flexible framework.

The absence of mandatory community benefits clauses and the lack of a guarantee of business mean that innovation and commitment to quality will play a significant role for firms looking to capitalize on these opportunities. Businesses with the capability and readiness to adhere to rigorous standards and respond efficiently to evaluations may find this a valuable entry point into or expansion within the public sector early learning and childcare market.

Notice Description

North Ayrshire Council's Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement is now live, and in accordance with the terms of the framework new applicants are invited to join the framework throughout the contract duration. All providers who apply and meet the miniumum conditions of the Flexible Framework agreement (i.e. the National Standards & relevant legislation as noted in the attached documentation) and who accept the rates/framework terms and conditions shall be accepted to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework Agreement. Please review the attached documentation for further information.

Completed applications should be sent to procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Applications received during the Flexible Framework period will be evaluated in a 4-6 week period from the application date. Providers successfully appointed to the framework will be eligible to deliver funded placements from their date of appointment (i.e. the date an award letter is issued) until the Framework expiry date (31st July 2025).

Please note, the purpose of the Flexible Framework Agreement is to ensure that Providers meet the National Standards and requirements to be eligible to deliver funded placements. Providers should note that being appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement does not provide any guarantee of business. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions.

Lot Information2 Lots
1Lot 1 - Early Learning and Childcare Services (Including Private, Voluntary and Third Sector Settings)
Planned

Lot 1 of this Flexible Framework Agreement sets out the minimum standards required from Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery) Services (including Private, Voluntary and Third Sector settings). To apply for this Lot Providers must: 1) Read and review all documentation attached to this notice; 2) Submit a completed Part A (Information and Requirements) Form; and 3) Provide all required evidence listed in Part B (Provider Evidence Requirements) for Lot 1 Where initial evidence submitted does not provide sufficient assurance, additional evidence may be sought by the Council. Potential additional evidence that may be sought is outlined in the attached documents.

2Lot 2 - Childminding Services
Planned

Lot 2 of this Flexible Framework Agreement sets out the minimum standards required from Childminding Services. To apply for this Lot Providers must: 1) Read and review all documentation attached to this notice; 2) Submit a completed Part A (Information and Requirements) Form; and 3) Provide all required evidence listed in Part B (Provider Evidence Requirements) for Lot 2 Where initial evidence submitted does not provide sufficient assurance, additional evidence may be sought by the Council. Potential additional evidence that may be sought is outlined in the attached documents.

Procurement Classification

Notice type, method, and CPV codes

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000804062
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Notice Type
OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts)
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified
Current Stage
Planning

Contract Values

Financial information and value estimates

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Contract duration information not available.

Key Dates

Publication, submission, and award timeline

Notice Status

Current status of tender, lots, awards, and contracts

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority

Buyer organisation and contact details

NAC
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
Services
Contact Name
Not specified
IRVINE
KA12 8EE
Scotland
Scotland
TLM9 Southern Scotland

Awarded Supplier

Supplier who was awarded this contract

?
Not specifiedAwarded
Not specified
View Profile
Number of Suppliers
0
Awards Value
Not specified

Documents & Links

External resources and data downloads

Notice Documents
- 1. General Information and Instructions
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
- 2. ELC Model Terms and Conditions
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
- 3. Part A - Information and Requirements Form
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
- 4. Part B - Provider Evidence Requirements
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
- NAC Annual Improvement Plan (Template)
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
- NAC Business Continuity Plan (Template)
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx
Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants) - North Ayrshire Council's Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement is now live, and in accordance with the terms of the framework new applicants are invited to join the framework throughout the contract duration. All providers who apply and meet the miniumum conditions of the Flexible Framework agreement (i.e. the National Standards & relevant legislation as noted in the attached documentation) and who accept the rates/framework terms and conditions shall be accepted to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework Agreement. Please review the attached documentation for further information. Completed applications should be sent to procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Applications received during the Flexible Framework period will be evaluated in a 4-6 week period from the application date. Providers successfully appointed to the framework will be eligible to deliver funded placements from their date of appointment (i.e. the date an award letter is issued) until the Framework expiry date (). Please note, the purpose of the Flexible Framework Agreement is to ensure that Providers meet the National Standards and requirements to be eligible to deliver funded placements. Providers should note that being appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement does not provide any guarantee of business. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions.
publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
OCDS RecordID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000804062

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector.

Need help with your tender submission?

Our expert team can help you prepare a winning bid. Get professional support from CareSync Experts.

Get in touch with our team at Care Sync Experts today for a consultation.

Email: hello@caresyncexperts.co.uk

Phone: 0333 577 0877

Contact Us