---
title: "Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL"
published: "2020-03-03"
---

# Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services

Buyer: DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471.json)

## Summary

Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking providers for the "Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services" tender, aimed at enhancing childcare provisions in Dumfries and Galloway. This procurement process, which falls under the services category, was initiated on 3rd March 2020, with the last amendment allowing submissions until 16th December 2019. The tender is currently in the award stage, having already signed contracts on 12th February 2020. This open procedure will allow various service providers to deliver early learning and childcare through a flexible framework.

This tender presents excellent opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the childcare sector, including nurseries and childminders. The Council's emphasis on high standards and parental choice means there is room for a diverse range of providers to contribute. Entities that meet the national standards set by the Council can engage in this procurement process, potentially benefiting from a steady flow of contracts as the framework reopens annually, thereby fostering business growth in the early years education and care market.

## Notice

Early Learning & Childcare and Childcare Brokerage services are two key strands of statutory childcare services offered to parents and carers of children in Dumfries and Galloway.

### Lot Information

Early Learning and Childcare - PVI Setting

The Council has a statutory duty to make pre-school education available for eligible children under the Standards in Scotland's 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 and places a duty on the Council to offer increased flexibility to parents as to where and how their child can access their Early Learning and Childcare entitlement. Scottish Government made a commitment to extend the entitlement to all eligible children to 1140 hours for Early Learning and Childcare by 2020/2021 as set out in 'A Blueprint for 2020; Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland' (2016). The Funding Follows the Child approach places choice in parents' and carers' hands allowing them to access their child's funded entitlement, therefore the Council are seeking to set up a Flexible Framework for the provision of early learning and childcare services under the Light Touch Rules contained within the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Lot 1 of this Flexible Framework sets out the minimum standards required from the private, voluntary and independent setting. All providers who apply and meet the national standards, legislation, 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.. Providers approved with a place on the Flexible Framework do not need to re-apply when the framework re-opens on an annual basis. Further details of the ELC and national standards can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/early-education-and-care/

Options: Following the initial 24 months duration, the Flexible Framework may be extended for a further 12 months.

Renewal: 24 - 36 months for renewal of the flexible framework, depending on if the extension period is exercised by Dumfries and Galloway Council. The flexible framework shall re-open at 12 month intervals, however Dumfries and Galloway Council may re-open the framework for applications at any time where geographical coverage is required to meet the needs of service.

Early Learning and Childcare - Childminders

The Council has a statutory duty to make pre-school education available for eligible children under the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and Statutory Guidance set out the increased entitlement of 600 hours, including the provision for eligible children and places a duty on the Council to offer increased flexibility to parents as to where and how their child can access their Early Learning and Childcare entitlement. Scottish Government has since made a commitment to extend the entitlement to all eligible children to 1140 hours Early Learning and Childcare by 2020/2021 as set out in 'A Blueprint for 2020; Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland' (2016). The Funding Follows the Child approach places choice in parents' and carers' hands allowing them to access their child's funded entitlement, therefore the Council are seeking to set up a Flexible Framework for the provision of early learning and childcare services under the Light Touch Rules contained within the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Lot 2 of this Flexible Framework sets out the minimum standards required from the childminders setting. All providers who apply and meet the national standards, legislation, 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 able to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework.. Providers approved with a place on the Flexible Framework do not need to re-apply when the framework re-opens on an annual basis. Further details of the ELC and national standards can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/early-education-and-care/

Options: Following the initial 24 months duration, the Flexible Framework may be extended for a further 12 months.

Renewal: 24 - 36 months for the flexible framework, depending on if the extension period is exercised by Dumfries and Galloway Council. The flexible framework shall re-open at 12 month intervals, however Dumfries and Galloway Council may re-open the framework for applications at any time where geographical coverage is required to meet the needs of service.

Childcare Brokerage Service

Dumfries and Galloway Council Social Work Services provides support to enable vulnerable families to access affordable childcare in times of crisis or to be included in the child's plan to ensure that their needs are being met. The Service is aimed at supporting children aged 2 and under or for young people up to 18 years old if they have Additional Support Needs and/or Disability. The Childcare Brokerage model enables parents' and carers' to access childcare from any setting, commissioned by the Council - in the public, private or third sector, including from a childminder - who meets the applicable National Standards, has a place available and is willing to enter into a contract with the local authority. The National Standard, which underpins the approach, will provide parents and carers with the certainty that those settings delivering funded hours are offering high quality Brokerage provision. Quality is underpinned by the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers. This service is being procured as a lot within a Flexible Framework under the Light Touch Rules contained within the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Lot 3 of this Flexible Framework sets out the minimum standards required to deliver the childcare brokerage service. All providers who apply and meet the applicable national ELC standards, legislation, 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 able to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework.. Providers approved with a place on the Flexible Framework do not need to re-apply when the framework re-opens on an annual basis.

Options: Following the initial 24 months duration, the Flexible Framework may be extended for a further 12 months.

Renewal: 24 - 36 months for the flexible framework, depending on if the extension period is exercised by Dumfries and Galloway Council. The flexible framework shall re-open at 12 month intervals, however Dumfries and Galloway Council may re-open the framework for applications at any time where geographical coverage is required to meet the needs of service.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR382698 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 3 Mar 2020 |
| Submission deadline | 9 Dec 2019 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 12 Feb 2020 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | 24 - 36 months but will re-open on an annual basis or more regularly if required by the Council. |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £21,235,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL |
| Locality | DUMFRIES |
| Post town | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Postcode | DG1 2HP |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM9 Southern Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM92 Dumfries and Galloway |
| Local authority | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Electoral ward | Nith |
| Westminster constituency | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Delivery location | TLM92 Dumfries and Galloway |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 82 |
| Supplier names | ABC NURSERY; ACE; AGNES GREEN CHILDMINDING; AMANDA'S CHILDMINDING; AMG CHILDCARE; AMY WORKMAN CHILD MINDING; AROUND THE CLOCK CHILDMINDING; BARNHILL CHILDMINDING; BIZZY BEES CHILDMINDING; BUSY BEES; CALDERBANK NURSERY; CAROL WESTBY T/A LITTLE TOTS FARM; CASSYS CHILDMINDING; CATHERINE MILLER - REGISTERED CHILDMINDER; CHILDMINDING; CLAIRE GALLOWAY; CLARE STEELE CHILDMINDING; CROSSMICHAEL AND PARTON PLAYGROUP; DALBEATTIE PLAYGROUP; DUMFRIES TOY LIBRARY; DUNSCORE PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE; EASTRIGGS & DORNOCK EARLY YEARS; EMMA DUNSEITH CHILDMINDER; EMMA MCPHEE CHILDMINDING; FIONA BURTON CHILDMINDING; FIONA'S CHILDMINDING; FIRST STEPS NURSERY; GIGGLE AND GROW CHILDCARE; GRACIE DREW PRIVATE NURSERY; HAPPY FACES NURSERY; HAUGH OF URR NURSERY; HOME GROWN CHILDMINDING; JAYBEES (CHILDCARE; JAYNE KIRKBY CHILDMINDER; JOHNSTONE NURSERY; JULIE DAVIDSON'S CHILDMINDING; KELLY'S KIDZCARE; KELTON NURSERY; KIDS AHOY CHILDCARE CENTRE; KINDERHOUSE SERVICES; KIRKCOLM UNDER 5'S NURSERY; LANGHOLM PLAYCARE; LAURA'S CHILDMINDING; LESLEY MURRAY; LITTLE ACORNS PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING CENTRE; LITTLE GEMS; LITTLE LIONHEARTS CHILDCARE; LITTLE OPTIONS; LITTLE ROCKERS; LITTLE WALKERS REGISTERED CHILDMINDER; LIZZIE'S CHILDMINDING SERVICE; LOUISE HAWES CHILDMIMDING; MALORY DAY NURSERY; MALORY HOUSE NURSERY; MARNEY BROWN CHILDMINDING; MAXPLAY2; MAXWELLTOWN PLAYCARE; MICHELLES CHILDMINDING; MID ANNANDALE PLAYCARE; MINNIGAFF COMMUNITY NURSERY; MONIAIVE PLAYCARE; NATYBEES CHILDMINDING; PENPONT, KEIR AND TYNRON PRESCHOOL; PORT WILLIAM PLAYGROUP; PUDDLEDUCKS CHILDMINDING; RACHEL COCHRANE CHILDMINDING; REBECCA'S CHILDMINDING; REGISTERED CHILDMINDER; S HERRIES CHILDCARE; SCRUFFS AUCHENCAIRN; SCRUFFS CHILDCARE CASTLE DOUGLAS; SPARKLERS PRIVATE NURSERY; SPRINGHOLM NURSERY; ST COLUMBA'S PLAYGROUP; ST. ANDREW'S NURSERY; TANYA GARDINER CHILDMINDER; THE ORCHARD NATURE NURSERY; TREASURE ISLAND NURSERY; TREASURED TOTS; WISE OWLS NURSERY; WOODS CHILDCARE; YVONNE TAYLOR |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services
- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 80100000 - Primary education services
- 80110000 - Pre-school education services
- 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people
- 85312110 - Child daycare services
- 85312120 - Daycare services for handicapped children and young people

## Release History

- 3 Mar 2020 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR382698
- 15 Nov 2019 at 00:00 - TenderUpdate - OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=NOV372595
- 6 Nov 2019 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=NOV371493

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=2
  8th November 2019 - Application - Part A
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=3
  8th November 2019 - Application - Part B
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=4
  8th November 2019 - Framework Terms and Conditions
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=5
  8th November 2019 - ELC Service Specification
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=6
  8th November 2019 - Brokerage Service Service Specification
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=NOV371493&idx=1
  8th November 2019 - General information and instructions for applicants
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=NOV371493
  Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services - Early Learning & Childcare and Childcare Brokerage services are two key strands of statutory childcare services offered to parents and carers of children in Dumfries and Galloway.
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR382698
  Early Learning, Childcare and Brokerage Services - Early Learning & Childcare and Childcare Brokerage services are two key strands of statutory childcare services offered to parents and carers of children in Dumfries and Galloway.

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.dumgal.gov.uk
- http://www.nhsscotlandprocurement.scot.nhs.uk/
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471
- https://www.gov.scot/policies/early-education-and-care/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000603471.json.