This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Summary of the contracting process

North Ayrshire Council has awarded a new Flexible Framework Agreement for Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers. This contract covers two lots: Early Learning and Childcare Services and Childminding Services, aiming to deliver funded hours within North Ayrshire. This contract, which uses an open procurement method, was signed on 10th July 2025 and will run from 1st August 2025 for five years, expiring on 31st July 2030. Providers must have submitted their applications by 8th May 2025 to be eligible for the starting placements, with conditions set under the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. Drop-in sessions were held at Marress House Early Years Centre to assist potential providers in the application process. The industry category is focused on general public services, with a primary focus on child care services (CPV 85312110), and is located in North Ayrshire (UKM93).

This initiative presents a significant opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on childcare services, including private, voluntary, and third-sector organisations, to expand their business by engaging in the provision of funded childcare hours. The Flexible Framework allows continuous entry for eligible providers, fostering long-term growth and stability. The framework supports the inclusion of diverse childminding set-ups, encouraging innovation and competition in service delivery. Businesses that meet national standards and regulatory requirements have ample opportunity to succeed and expand within this framework, creating a practical avenue for business development in the childcare sector within North Ayrshire.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

NAC/5198 - Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers

Notice Description

North Ayrshire Council invites Providers to apply for this Flexible Framework Agreement to be eligible to deliver Early Learning and Childcare Funded Hours within North Ayrshire. The current framework (NAC/5011) expires on 31st July 2025 and as such, NAC require a new Flexible Framework Agreement to commence from 1st August 2025. The proposed Framework will be for a period of 5 years, expiring 31st July 2030. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. 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. Providers can apply for the Flexible Framework Agreement at any time, however to be eligible to start Funded Placements by 1st August 2025 Providers must submit their application by 8th May 2025. Applications recieved after 8th May 2025 will not be reviewed until August 2025 at the earliest. Please review the attached documentation for further information. A Question & Answer facility is available for Providers to submit enquiries related to the application process. All questions must be submitted before 1st May 2025 to ensure a response is received prior to the submission deadline. NAC will be holding drop-in sessions to support Providers with their applications. Members of the Early Years and Corporate Procurement Teams will be available to answer any queries you may have in relation to your application. These sessions will be held at Marress House Early Years Centre, Friars Croft, Irvine, KA11 8EE on Wednesday 26th March 2025 and Wednesday 30th April 2025. Providers are invited to drop-in at any time between 2-8pm on these dates to discuss their applications.

Lot Information

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

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.

Lot 2 - Childminding Services

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.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL534590
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts)
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

80110000 - Pre-school education services

85312100 - Daycare services

85312110 - Child daycare services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£24,500,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
8 May 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 Jul 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
North Ayrshire 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
IRVINE
Postcode
KA12 8EE
Postcode Area
Kilmarnock
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM9 Southern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire
Delivery Location
TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire

Local Authority
North Ayrshire
Electoral Ward
Irvine South
Westminster Constituency
Central Ayrshire

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
63
Supplier Names

Andrea's childcare Largs

Angela Bilham Childminding

Ann Montgomery Childminding

Beth Malcolm's Childminding

Bradshaw Early Years Centre

Bright Beginnings Early Years Centre

Busy Bees Nursery

COLLIN CARE LTD TREETOPS TOO

COLLIN CARE TREETOPS

Charlene potts childminding

Childcare Scotland Properties Limited

Childminder

Daisydots Childminding

Deborah Johnston

Debra Rintoul childminding

Denise's Childcare

Donna Smith Childminding

Douglas Park Nursery

Elizabeth-Ann Craig

Emma Blair’s Childcare

Fiona Burns Childminding

Fiona Robin childminding

First Steps (Nursery Schools) Ltd

Geraldine Barr Childminding

Happy Faces Childminding

Heather's Hungry Caterpillars

Jacqueline McInally Childminding

Jane Cairnie Childcare

Jenni gilluley childminding

Jenny's Childminding

K&A Childminding

KarenRonaldChildminding

Katey's Childminding Service

Kathleen's Childminding service

Laura Jayne Reid - Registered Childminder

Leeann Mcneil childminding

Linda Chisholm Childminding Service

Little bundles of joy

Logibears Childcare

Lynne Mustoo Childminding

Michelle Burns

Nicola Burns Childminder

Nikkis childminding services

Playtime Early Years (an SCIO)

Rainbow Cottage Nursery LTD T/A Rainbow Childcare

Registered Childminding

Rosalyn Williamson Childminding

Rosemeadow childcare

Ruth Warwick Childminding

Shelley Coleman Childminder

Shirley Mess

Shona Wilson Childminding

The Joy of Kids

The Kids Village Ltd

The Yellow Brick Road EYC

Victoria's childminding

West Kilbride Early Years Centre

Whitehirst park private nursery

Wilma`s Childminding Service

ZAAM Childcare (Irvine) Ltd

cathies place

karens childminding

lesleys childminding services

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAR526348&idx=6
    26th March 2025 - 1. General Information and Instructions - Sustainable Rate information updated in Appendix 4
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAR526348&idx=5
    19th March 2025 - ELC Checklist (info only) - can be used to help complete application.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR526348
    NAC/5198 - Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers - North Ayrshire Council invites Providers to apply for this Flexible Framework Agreement to be eligible to deliver Early Learning and Childcare Funded Hours within North Ayrshire. The current framework (NAC/5011) expires on 31st July 2025 and as such, NAC require a new Flexible Framework Agreement to commence from 1st August 2025. The proposed Framework will be for a period of 5 years, expiring 31st July 2030. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. 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. Providers can apply for the Flexible Framework Agreement at any time, however to be eligible to start Funded Placements by 1st August 2025 Providers must submit their application by 8th May 2025. Applications recieved after 8th May 2025 will not be reviewed until August 2025 at the earliest. Please review the attached documentation for further information. A Question & Answer facility is available for Providers to submit enquiries related to the application process. All questions must be submitted before 1st May 2025 to ensure a response is received prior to the submission deadline. NAC will be holding drop-in sessions to support Providers with their applications. Members of the Early Years and Corporate Procurement Teams will be available to answer any queries you may have in relation to your application. These sessions will be held at Marress House Early Years Centre, Friars Croft, Irvine, KA11 8EE on Wednesday 26th March 2025 and Wednesday 30th April 2025. Providers are invited to drop-in at any time between 2-8pm on these dates to discuss their applications.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL534590
    NAC/5198 - Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers - North Ayrshire Council invites Providers to apply for this Flexible Framework Agreement to be eligible to deliver Early Learning and Childcare Funded Hours within North Ayrshire. The current framework (NAC/5011) expires on 31st July 2025 and as such, NAC require a new Flexible Framework Agreement to commence from 1st August 2025. The proposed Framework will be for a period of 5 years, expiring 31st July 2030. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. 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. Providers can apply for the Flexible Framework Agreement at any time, however to be eligible to start Funded Placements by 1st August 2025 Providers must submit their application by 8th May 2025. Applications recieved after 8th May 2025 will not be reviewed until August 2025 at the earliest. Please review the attached documentation for further information. A Question & Answer facility is available for Providers to submit enquiries related to the application process. All questions must be submitted before 1st May 2025 to ensure a response is received prior to the submission deadline. NAC will be holding drop-in sessions to support Providers with their applications. Members of the Early Years and Corporate Procurement Teams will be available to answer any queries you may have in relation to your application. These sessions will be held at Marress House Early Years Centre, Friars Croft, Irvine, KA11 8EE on Wednesday 26th March 2025 and Wednesday 30th April 2025. Providers are invited to drop-in at any time between 2-8pm on these dates to discuss their applications.

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