Tender

Provision of a Flying Start Childcare Service Framework

BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

18 Dec 2025 at 13:27

Tender

09 Dec 2025 at 12:27

Summary of the contracting process

Bridgend County Borough Council is actively procuring providers for the "Provision of a Flying Start Childcare Service Framework," targeting the child daycare and pre-school education industry. This initiative, based in Bridgend, UK, seeks to support local children aged two to three years under the Flying Start and Expansion programmes, offering up to 12.5 hours of high-quality childcare per week during term time. With a gross contract value of £18,000,000 and a tender closing date of 9th January 2026, the opportunity is currently in the tender stage. The procurement utilises an open procedure with an accelerated process due to its light-touch nature, forming part of the services category under Welsh devolved regulations. Interested parties must submit tenders electronically before the deadline.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in childcare and early education to expand their services in the Bridgend area. The framework allows for the appointment of multiple suppliers, with an emphasis on delivering accessible, quality childcare by skilled providers. The open framework permits entry for both existing and new suppliers, potentially benefiting SMEs and voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSEs) due to its inclusive selection criteria. Businesses with a background in quality childcare provision, particularly those experienced in meeting developmental and safeguarding needs, will find this tender process conducive to growth and increased market presence. The extensive duration of potential contracts, including opportunities for renewal, ensures long-term engagement and continuity in service delivery, thereby supporting sustained business growth.

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Notice Title

Provision of a Flying Start Childcare Service Framework

Notice Description

Bridgend County Borough Council is seeking to procure experienced providers to deliver childcare places under the Flying Start and Flying Start Expansion programmes. This service is only applicable for children that are resident in Bridgend County Borough, from the term after they turn two to the term they turn three years old. Children will be offered up to 12.5 hours a week for Flying Start funding, term time only. The key objectives of the service are: * To provide accessible, high-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare that supports children's learning, well-being and progress from an early age. * To ensure childcare is delivered by a skilled, well-qualified workforce with access to continuing professional learning and best practice support. * To promote high standards of care, learning and safeguarding through robust quality assurance and improvement support. * To deliver inclusive, equitable provision that meets the needs of all children, including those with additional learning needs or vulnerabilities. * To ensure childcare provision is well-matched to local need and sustainably commissioned, supporting continuity, sufficiency and parental choice.

Lot Information

Childminder

Description: Childminder

Renewal: option to extend subject to funding

Childcare Settings

Description: Childcare settings

Renewal: option to extend subject to grant funding

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f1b6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084387-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

80110000 - Pre-school education services

85312110 - Child daycare services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£15,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£15,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
9 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2026-01-08

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Helen Watkins
Contact Email
helen.watkins@bridgend.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1656643643

Buyer Location

Locality
BRIDGEND
Postcode
CF31 4WB
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend
Delivery Location
TLL17 Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot

Local Authority
Bridgend
Electoral Ward
Bridgend Central
Westminster Constituency
Bridgend

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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