Upcoming Opportunity - Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places

Concepts

• paisley
• child daycare
• flexible framework
• childcare places
• early learning
• commissioned places
• flexible framework for early learning
• a new flexible framework
• this new flexible framework
• childcare

Location

Renfrewshire

Description

The Council will shortly be issuing a tender relating to a new Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places in Renfrewshire. This new Flexible Framework will replace the Council’s current Flexible Framework (RC-CPU-20-113) which is due to expire on 23 May 2026. The Council is seeking to procure the service of a number of local providers in respect of the future provision of early learning and childcare places within the Renfrewshire Council Area in addition to and to supplement the service provided at Council premises. This will allow the Council flexibility to offer Parents and Carers (including kinship carers) a choice of provider for the funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) entitlement via a Council owned and managed nursery or from an independent or third sector provider. Interested Providers should be aware that there is a new shared framework which replaces both How good is our early learning and childcare and A quality framework for daycare of children, childminding and school-aged childcare and the Care Inspectorate will begin to use the new framework for inspection from September 2025. The Council may use the Shared Framework as part of the assessment criteria for the upcoming tender process. The scope of Services to be provided under this Flexible Framework falls within the definition of a “social and other specific” service under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 and therefore the Flexible Framework is not subject to the full requirements of the aforementioned regulations. The Flexible Framework will allow participating Providers to add new Services and newly Commissioned Places. It will also allow for admissions by New Entrants (Providers) throughout its duration and will be reopened at the discretion of the Council depending on demand for Services. The Flexible Framework will be split in two lots as follows: Lot 1 – Registered Day-Care Providers Lot 2 – Registered Childminder The future tender procedure shall be conducted in accordance with an above Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) Threshold as an Open procedure relating to Services under Schedule 3 – Social and Other Specific Services of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Lot Division

CPV Codes

• 85312110 - Child daycare services

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Any provider interested in tendering must be registered with the Care Inspectorate appropriately and must meet the Service Specification requirements which will be issued alongside the future Contract Notice and Tender Documents. It is anticipated that this tender will be issued in early August 2025. The Council intends to use Public Contracts Scotland-Tender (PCS-T) to conduct this tender and providers should ensure they are registered appropriately with both Public Contracts Scotland and PCS-T to obtain notifications and be able and ready to participate. The Council intends to run an Information Session for providers in August 2025 (date and time to be confirmed) and will provide further details on this and how to register in due course. The session will include how to use the tendering portal. Interested providers should be aware that the tender will include a cyber security element including questions on how information is held securely within the organisation. The minimum insurance levels required for this Flexible Framework are noted below: Lot 1 Registered Day-Care Providers: - Employers Liability Insurance 5,000,000 GBP (statutory) - Public Liability Insurance with appropriate extension for administering medication 10,000,000 GBP (any one occurrence) - Professional Indemnity Insurance - 1,000,000 GBP (will accept cover in the aggregate) - Statutory Third- Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Lot 2 Registered Childminders: - Employers Liability Insurance 5,000,000 GBP (statutory) - Public Liability Insurance with appropriate extension for administering medication 5,000,000 GBP (any one occurrence) - Professional Indemnity Insurance – 100,000 GBP (will accept cover in the aggregate) - Statutory Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=799736. (SC Ref:799736)