Proc-26-121- License to Occupy and Business Opportunity for Wraparound Care Provision at St Marys Catholic School

Wrexham County Borough Council

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

21 Sep 2026 at 10:49

Summary of the contracting process

Wrexham County Borough Council is planning a licence-to-occupy and business opportunity for an independently operated wraparound childcare service at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Wrexham. The service covers breakfast care from 7:30am to 8:45am, nursery-end care from 11:30am, after-school care from 3:15pm to 6pm, and holiday care from 7:30am to 6pm. It must provide safe, inclusive, play-based care, healthy food where relevant, suitable supervision and clear arrangements for booking, fees, collection, handover and safeguarding. The provider will work in partnership with the school while managing its own staffing, policies and operations. The service is intended to support families, children’s wellbeing and development, and the school’s Catholic ethos and Curriculum for Wales. The work is classified as child daycare services.

This procurement is at the planning and preliminary engagement stage; it is not yet an invitation to tender. The council expects interested suppliers to register an Expression of Interest, after which registered providers will be notified when the procurement is published and invited to tender. The council’s expected next notice date is 5 October 2026, and it expects Expressions of Interest by 12 noon on 2 October 2026. One lot is planned, with the contract expected to run from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2029. The estimated value is £36,000 excluding VAT, or £43,200 including VAT. The provider will pay rent of £1,000 per month for the wraparound-care building, reviewed annually. The planned procedure is a below-threshold competitive tender, with the service suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community or social enterprises.

This will suit CIW-registered childcare providers, or organisations with a credible plan and timescale to obtain registration, that can run provision for at least 49 weeks each year. Strong candidates will have experience delivering breakfast clubs, nursery-end care, after-school clubs and holiday programmes, with the staffing capacity, safe ratios, risk assessment and operational systems to cover the full service. Essential preparation includes robust safeguarding arrangements, enhanced DBS checks, safer recruitment, trained staff, a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputy, whistleblowing procedures, secure GDPR-compliant records and an ICO registration. Providers should be able to meet National Minimum Standards, manage accidents, medical needs, emergencies and handovers, and work within school security arrangements. The council will also expect transparent governance, insurance, cleaning arrangements, inclusive practice and a cooperative partnership with the school’s governing body.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Proc-26-121- License to Occupy and Business Opportunity for Wraparound Care Provision at St Marys Catholic School

Notice Description

UK2 - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST This Expression of Interest ("EOI") is seeking suitable interested parties to tender for the opportunity for License to Occupy and Business Opportunity for Wraparound Care Provision at St Marys Catholic School. Background/Context St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a thriving Catholic primary school committed to: The mission and values of the Catholic Church The well-being, safety and holistic development of every child The principles and purposes of the Curriculum for Wales The Governing Body invites submissions from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) registered providers, or providers willing to apply for CIW registration, to establish and operate a wraparound childcare provision on the school site. The provision will be independently run and managed but must operate in close partnership with the school and its governing body. PURPOSE OF THE PROVISION The successful provider will establish a high-quality childcare service that :* Supports families through flexible, affordable wraparound care * Promotes children's wellbeing, play, learning and development * Reflects and respects the Catholic ethos of the school * Aligns with the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales * Operates with the highest standards of safeguarding, transparency and governance SCOPE OF THE PROVISION The provider will be expected to deliver wraparound care for a minimum of 49 weeks per year. The proposed operating model and opening arrangements should be detailed within the submission and agreed with the school. Breakfast Club (7:30am - 8:45am) * Operates on school days from 07:30-08:45 (after which children are escorted to their classes) * Provides healthy, nutritious food Offers a calm, nurturing start to the day * Ensures safe handover arrangements to school staff Includes clear policies for booking, fees, supervision and safeguarding * Maintains safe and appropriate staffing ratios * Uses indoor and outdoor spaces safely and appropriately (risk assessed) * Ensures clear drop off/ collection/handover arrangements and communication with parents in line with strict safeguarding procedures Nursery-End Provision (11:30am) * Supports children at the end of the school-based nursery sessions * Provides age appropriate care, play and supervision * Ensures smooth transitions for pupils remaining on site Includes clear policies for booking, fees, supervision and safeguarding * Maintains safe and appropriate staffing ratios * Uses indoor and outdoor spaces safely (risk assessed) Ensures clear collection arrangements and communication with parents After School Club (3:15pm - 6pm) * Operates from the end of the school day until early evening * Ensures safe collection of children and escorting to the club * Provides a play based, child centred offer Includes opportunities aligned with the Curriculum for Wales (wellbeing, creativity, social development) * Includes clear policies for booking, fees, supervision and safeguarding * Maintains safe and appropriate staffing ratios * Uses indoor and outdoor spaces safely (risk assessed) Ensures clear collection arrangements and communication with parents Holiday Club (07:30am - 6pm) * Operates during school holidays excluding Bank Holidays, Christmas, and the final week of the summer holidays * Offers a varied, stimulating programme of activities * Provides a play based, child centred offer Includes clear policies for booking, fees, supervision and safeguarding * Maintains safe and appropriate staffing ratios * Uses indoor and outdoor spaces safely (risk assessed) * Ensures clear collection arrangements and communication with parents. Providers must also demonstrate a willingness to follow the procurement process to deliver Non-Maintained Early Entitlement and Flying Start provision. Ethos & Partnership Expectations Providers must demonstrate how they will: * Respect the Catholic character of St Mary's, including: * Respect for the dignity and individuality of every child * A culture of kindness and compassion * Inclusive practice consistent with Catholic social teaching (fairness, respect, care for the vulnerable) * Ensure behaviour, language and activities within the provision reflect the school's values and create a safe, calm and positive environment * Work in a cooperative, professional partnership with the school, recognising that: * The provider is independent and responsible for its own policies, staffing and operations * The school retains responsibility for safeguarding expectations on its site * Clear communication and aligned expectations are essential for pupil wellbeing and smooth daily operations * Operate inclusively and safely, ensuring all children are welcomed, supported and treated with respect Safeguarding & Child Protection (Core Requirement) PROVIDERS MUST DEMONSTRATE ROBUST SAFEGUARDING ARRANGEMENTS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN EXCLUSION FROM THE TENDER PROCESS. CIW Registration Confirmation of current CIW registration, or a credible plan and timescale to obtain it Confirmation that mandatory policies and training are in place in line with CIW expectations Agreement to notify the school immediately of any CIW compliance issues, inspections, recommendations or enforcement actions Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy A current safeguarding policy aligned with: 1.All Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2.WG Keeping Learners Safe 3.Local authority safeguarding procedures 4.St Mary's safeguarding expectations Policies reviewed annually and shared with the school Evidence that all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities Safer Recruitment Full safer recruitment procedures, including: 1.Enhanced DBS checks 2.Verification of identity, appropriate qualifications and right to work 3.Two references per staff member 4.Supervision arrangements for staff awaiting DBS clearance DBS information shared with the school for site access assurance Clear process for managing allegations against staff Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) * A named DSL with up to date accredited training * Deputy DSL cover to ensure safeguarding leadership at all times * Clear escalation routes for concerns, including out of hours arrangements Training, Supervision & Whistleblowing* Mandatory accredited safeguarding training for all staff (updated at least every 3 years) * Induction including site specific safeguarding expectations* Regular supervision and performance monitoring * A whistleblowing policy that protects staff and outlines reporting routes Information-Sharing & Reporting* Annual Registration with Information Commissioners' Office (ICO) * Immediate sharing of concerns with the school's DSL * Secure, GDPR compliant systems for recording safeguarding information * Agreement to share relevant records when necessary for pupil health, safety, safeguarding and well-being * Participation in multi-agency safeguarding meetings when required Operational Safeguarding * Safe arrival, collection and handover procedures * Clear ratios and supervision arrangements and adhere to National Minimum Standards (NMS) * Procedures for accidents, injuries and medical needs * Emergency, fire and lockdown procedures aligned with school protocols * Behaviour policy consistent with the school's safeguarding culture * Online safety measures where digital devices are used Site-Specific Responsibilities * Compliance with all school site rules relating to safeguarding and security * Participation in school safeguarding briefings * Cooperation with school staff in any safeguarding review or Investigation Governance & Accountability Model The Governing Body requires: * Oversight by a formal management committee or board of trustees (or equivalent governance structure) to ensure effective strategic direction, accountability and compliance Inclusion of: * A school governor as a trustee, committee member, or equivalent governance representative * Transparent decision-making, with clear record-keeping and robust accountability arrangements Relationship with the School The provider must operate in open, transparent partnership with the school, including: * Regular liaison with the Headteacher or nominated link governor * Clear protocols for: * Handover of children* Use of premises* Site security * Insurance cover including public & employee liability* Annual written safeguarding assurance to the governing body* Immediate notification of any CIW regulatory action or safeguarding concern The school will retain: * Control over site access and use* The right to withdraw permission to operate on safeguarding or governance grounds Premises & Practical Arrangements Premises & Facilities* The school will provide details of the building dimensions and floor plan to support Providers in developing their proposals * There is potential for the successful provider to access grant funding to enhance outdoor provision, subject to consultation with and approval from the school * The premises provided will be largely unfurnished, with some limited furniture and storage available Operational Responsibilities * The provider will be responsible for their own cleaning arrangements * The school will retain responsibility for essential repairs and maintenance, in line with its Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority * The provider may undertake additional works or improvements, however all proposed developments must be submitted to and approved by the school in advance and any works must comply with relevant statutory requirements and school policies Financial Model The provider will be required to pay a rental fee of PS1,000 per month for use of the Wraparound care building to be reviewed annually. The provision is expected to operate for a minimum of 49 weeks per year. Suppliers interested in this opportunity are invited to submit an Expression of Interest of no later than 12pm on the 2nd of October 2026.

Planning Information

Expression of Interest. Suppliers registering an Expression of Interest will receive notification of the procurement opportunity and will be able to submit a tender once the procurement exercise is published. This License to Occupy is initially for three years. To register interest, please email: sian.milwicz@wrexham.gov.uk Only Suppliers that have registered an interest for this License to Occupy will be invited to take part in the Tender Process.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-077625
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/089012-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85312110 - Child daycare services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£36,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Sep 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Oct 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Wrexham County Borough Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WREXHAM
Postcode
LL11 1AR
Postcode Area
Llandudno
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL3 North Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL34 Flintshire and Wrexham
Delivery Location
TLL23 Flintshire and Wrexham

Local Authority
Wrexham
Electoral Ward
Grosvenor
Westminster Constituency
Wrexham

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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