---
title: "NAC/5198 - Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL"
published: "2025-07-14"
---

# NAC/5198 - Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers

Buyer: NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL534590 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 14 Jul 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 8 May 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 10 Jul 2025 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £24,500,000 |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL |
| Locality | IRVINE |
| Post town | Kilmarnock |
| Postcode | KA12 8EE |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM9 Southern Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire |
| Local authority | North Ayrshire |
| Electoral ward | Irvine South |
| Westminster constituency | Central Ayrshire |
| Delivery location | TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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; CATHIES PLACE; CHARLENE POTTS CHILDMINDING; CHILDCARE SCOTLAND PROPERTIES; CHILDMINDER; COLLIN CARE LTD TREETOPS TOO; COLLIN CARE TREETOPS; 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; 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; KARENS CHILDMINDING; KATEY'S CHILDMINDING SERVICE; KATHLEEN'S CHILDMINDING SERVICE; LAURA JAYNE REID - REGISTERED CHILDMINDER; LEEANN MCNEIL CHILDMINDING; LESLEYS CHILDMINDING SERVICES; 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; THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD EYC; VICTORIA'S CHILDMINDING; WEST KILBRIDE EARLY YEARS CENTRE; WHITEHIRST PARK PRIVATE NURSERY; WILMA`S CHILDMINDING SERVICE; ZAAM CHILDCARE (IRVINE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 80110000 - Pre-school education services
- 85312100 - Daycare services
- 85312110 - Child daycare services

## Release History

- 14 Jul 2025 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts) - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL534590
- 19 Mar 2025 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts) - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR526348

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAR526348&idx=1
  26th March 2025 - 1. General Information and Instructions
- 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=2
  19th March 2025 - 2. ELC Model Terms and Conditions
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAR526348&idx=3
  19th March 2025 - 3. Part A - Information and Requirements
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAR526348&idx=4
  19th March 2025 - 4. Part B - Provider Evidence Requirements
- 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.

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Government/Procurement
- http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/
- https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/

## 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-r6ebe6-0000792536. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000792536.json.