Planning

Provision of Multiple RAF Nurseries - RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming - PPN

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Sep 2025 at 15:16

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is planning an open procurement process for the provision of child care services at RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming. The tender, titled "Provision of Multiple RAF Nurseries," focuses on pre-school education services within the public sector. The procurement is currently in the planning stage, with key deadlines including an enquiry period ending on 31st October 2025, a tender period concluding on 10th November 2025, and an award period finalising by 1st December 2025. The main procurement category is services, and the procurement method is described as an open procedure. The project will be located in the United Kingdom, with contractual arrangements set to commence on 1st April 2026 and last until 31st March 2029, allowing the possibility of a three-year extension.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses in the childcare sector, particularly those adept in providing flexible, high-quality services that meet the Royal Air Force's specific requirements. The opportunity is especially suited for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in early education, wraparound and holiday care for children aged 0 to 11 years. Businesses that can ensure their services meet EYFS and Ofsted standards will be best positioned to succeed. The contract carries the potential for business growth and the development of lasting relationships with the military community. Businesses are encouraged to express interest or follow the Planned Procurement Notice (PPN) for updates on the invitation to tender. A lease or licence agreement with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation will be part of the contractual obligations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Multiple RAF Nurseries - RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming - PPN

Notice Description

The Royal Air Force is looking for a passionate and experienced provider to deliver high-quality, flexible, and affordable childcare at two key RAF stations: RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming.

Lot Information

Provision of Multiple RAF Nurseries - RAF Cranwell

Exciting Opportunity: Deliver Childcare Services for RAF Families The Royal Air Force is looking for a passionate and experienced provider to deliver high-quality, flexible, and affordable childcare at two key RAF stations: RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of service children and their families--providing nurturing early years education (0-5 years) and dynamic wraparound and holiday care (4-11 years). Are you committed to helping children thrive? Ready to grow your portfolio and work in partnership with the military community? We're seeking a provider who shares our values and can deliver services that meet EYFS and Ofsted standards--ensuring every child receives the best possible start. The below provides a brief illustration of the current provision and operational delivery of the nursery and childcare sites. Please note this is an illustration and detail can be subject to change. There will be scope to work with each station to adapt the operational delivery and outputs of the setting to meet the needs of service families and the station's statement of requirements. RAF Cranwell The nursery operates out of a purpose-built nursery that is located inside of the wire at RAF Cranwell, Sleaford NG34 8HB. The nursery is currently open Mon - Fri from 07.30 - 18.00 for 51 days of the year providing up to 76 places for children aged 0-5 years, including an offer of full, half day and sessional options to meet the needs of service families living and working at RAF Cranwell. There are currently 92 children under 5 on roll at the nursery. Wraparound childcare and holiday provision for up to 40 places is also offered to children aged 4 - 11 years at other sites within close proximity to the nursery. There are 35 staff employed to work with the children. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged 9months+. TUPE consideration will apply to this contract. Tender dates and timelines are subject to change. Please express and interest or follow the PPN to find out when the Invitation to Tender opens. Please note that, once the contract is awarded, there will be a lease or licence agreement in place with Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

Renewal: 3 years contract + 3 years optional extension

Provision of Multiple RAF Nurseries - RAF Leeming

Exciting Opportunity: Deliver Childcare Services for RAF Families The Royal Air Force is looking for a passionate and experienced provider to deliver high-quality, flexible, and affordable childcare at two key RAF stations: RAF Cranwell and RAF Leeming. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of service children and their families--providing nurturing early years education (0-5 years) and dynamic wraparound and holiday care (4-11 years). Are you committed to helping children thrive? Ready to grow your portfolio and work in partnership with the military community? We're seeking a provider who shares our values and can deliver services that meet EYFS and Ofsted standards--ensuring every child receives the best possible start. The below provides a brief illustration of the current provision and operational delivery of the nursery and childcare sites. Please note this is an illustration and detail can be subject to change. There will be scope to work with each station to adapt the operational delivery and outputs of the setting to meet the needs of service families and the station's statement of requirements. RAF Leeming The nursery operates out of a purpose-built building inside the wire at RAF Leeming, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9NJ. The nursery is open Mon - Fri from 07.30 to 17.30, 51 weeks of the year providing up to 121 places for children aged 0-11 years, including an offer of full, half day, wraparound childcare and sessional options to meet the needs of service families living and working at RAF Leeming. There are currently 166 children on roll. There are 21 staff employed to work with the children. The nursery provides funded early education for children aged 9months+. TUPE consideration will apply to this contract. Tender dates and timelines are subject to change. Please express and interest or follow the PPN to find out when the Invitation to Tender opens. Please note that, once the contract is awarded, there will be a lease or licence agreement in place with Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

Renewal: 3 years contract + 3 years optional extension

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0598db
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055937-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80110000 - Pre-school education services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
10 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
13 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Stephen Crawley
Contact Email
stephen.crawley104@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
HIGH WYCOMBE
Postcode
HP14 4UE
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLE2 North Yorkshire, TLF3 Lincolnshire
Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Ridgeway West
Westminster Constituency
Mid Buckinghamshire

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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