Summary of the contracting process

Dumfries and Galloway Council has re-opened its tender for "Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services," part of a statutory requirement under the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000. The tender, listed under the CPV code 85312110, is open for electronic submissions until 31 July 2025, with an anticipated award commencing immediately following this date. This procurement process, categorised under services, uses an open procedure method and focuses on the provision of early learning services in the locality of Dumfries, specifically in the UKM92 region. The framework is available for providers to apply for inclusion on a flexible framework, enabling them to register children for Brokerage and Early Learning placements from Q2 and August 2025, respectively.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses within the education and childcare sectors, particularly those specialising in early learning, childcare, and related services. Businesses that align with the criteria and statutory requirements outlined by the Dumfries and Galloway Council can secure stable, state-supported contracts to expand their service offerings. The open procedure allows a broad spectrum of providers, including private and third-sector settings, to participate, enhancing competition and potential business growth. Given the flexible framework model, businesses have the potential to innovate and tailor their services to meet the specific needs of parents and carers, thus expanding their market presence and client base.

Tender

Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL

Contract Timeline

Publication Date

1st July 2025 00:00:00 AM

Tender Deadline

31st July 2025 12:00:00 PM 20 days remaining
Contract Summary

The Council has a statutory duty to make pre-school education available for eligible children under the Standards in Scotlandâs Schools Act 2000. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and Statutory Guidance set out the increased entitlement to 1140 hours for eligible children which became a statutory duty from August 2021. The Funding Follows the Child approach places choice in parentsâ and carersâ hands enabling them to access their childâs funded entitlement with a provider that best suits their needs. All providers who apply and meet the expected standard, legislation and the Council's procedural requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and accept the rates and contract terms set out by the Council shall be accepted to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework enabling them to register children in 2025 to commence Brokerage placements from Q2 2025 and funded Early Learning and Childcare placements from August 2025. This is the July 2025 re-opening of the framework. If you have already been awarded a place on this framework, you do not need to re-apply.
Contract Details

Open Contracting ID

ocds-r6ebe6-0000802999

Publication Source

Public Contracts Scotland

Procurement Stage

Tender

Procurement Method

Open

Procurement Method Details

Open Procedure

Procurement Category

Services

Tender Suitability

Framework / DPS

Framework
Contract Classification

CPV Code(s)

85312110

CPV Division(s)

85 - Health and social work services
Awarding Authority

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL

Buyer Name

Craig Wilson

Buyer Email

Procurement.PeopleandProjects@dumgal.gov.uk

Buyer Phone

Buyer Address

Procurement Team, Carruthers House

Dumfries

DG1 2HP

View contract on Public Contracts Scotland

Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL

Contract Timeline

Contract Summary

Contract Details

Contract Classification

Awarding Authority