---
title: "Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants 26/27)"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL"
published: "2026-08-04"
---

# Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants 26/27)

Buyer: NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291

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## Summary

North Ayrshire Council, located in Irvine, UK, is commencing the planning stage of an Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement for the 2026/2027 period. This procurement process, identified under the tag 'planned', aims to include new entrants in providing early learning and childcare services across North Ayrshire. The framework allows providers to join at any time, with applications assessed within a 4-6 week period following submission. The framework will remain active until 31st July 2025. Compliance with national standards and acceptance of framework terms are prerequisites for participation, as detailed in the published documents. The procurement falls within the services category with specific classifications under CPV codes such as 80110000 and 85312110.

This tender offers a significant opportunity for businesses in the early learning and childcare sector, including private, voluntary, and third-sector settings, as well as childminding services. By participating in this flexible framework, businesses can secure funded placements without commitment to a set volume of work. It is especially suited for SMEs aiming to establish or expand their services in North Ayrshire. While the framework does not guarantee assignments directly, it enables businesses to align with local government standards and potentially increase their visibility and attractiveness to clientele, contributing to sustainable business growth and regional service enhancement.

## Notice

North Ayrshire Council's Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement is now live, and in accordance with the terms of the framework new applicants are invited to join the framework throughout the contract duration. 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. Please review the attached documentation for further information. Completed applications should be sent to procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Applications received during the Flexible Framework period will be evaluated in a 4-6 week period from the application date. Providers successfully appointed to the framework will be eligible to deliver funded placements from their date of appointment (i.e. the date an award letter is issued) until the Framework expiry date (31st July 2025). Please note, the purpose of the Flexible Framework Agreement is to ensure that Providers meet the National Standards and requirements to be eligible to deliver funded placements. Providers should note that being appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement does not provide any guarantee of business. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. A PIN IS BEING USED AS A CONTRACT NOTICE SO THIS OPORTUNITY IS LIVE AT ALL TIMES SO PROVIDERS CAN SEEK TO JOIN AT ANY POINT.

### 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=AUG561610 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts) |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 4 Aug 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 2 Aug 2027 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Planned |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## 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 |

## 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

- 4 Aug 2026 at 00:00 - Planning - OJEU - F21 - Social And other Specific Services (Public Contracts) - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG561610

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=5
  4th August 2026 - Annual self assessment questionaire
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=6
  4th August 2026 - NAC Annual Improvement Plan (Template)
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=1
  4th August 2026 - 1. General Information and Instructions for Applicants NEW ENTRANTS
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=2
  4th August 2026 - 2. ELC Model Terms and Conditions
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=3
  4th August 2026 - 3. Part A -Information & Requirements Form v2
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG561610&idx=4
  4th August 2026 - 4. Part B - Provider Evidence Requirements v2
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG561610
  Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants 26/27) - North Ayrshire Council's Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement is now live, and in accordance with the terms of the framework new applicants are invited to join the framework throughout the contract duration. 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. Please review the attached documentation for further information. Completed applications should be sent to procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Applications received during the Flexible Framework period will be evaluated in a 4-6 week period from the application date. Providers successfully appointed to the framework will be eligible to deliver funded placements from their date of appointment (i.e. the date an award letter is issued) until the Framework expiry date (31st July 2025). Please note, the purpose of the Flexible Framework Agreement is to ensure that Providers meet the National Standards and requirements to be eligible to deliver funded placements. Providers should note that being appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement does not provide any guarantee of business. The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions. A PIN IS BEING USED AS A CONTRACT NOTICE SO THIS OPORTUNITY IS LIVE AT ALL TIMES SO PROVIDERS CAN SEEK TO JOIN AT ANY POINT.

## Notice URLs

- http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=839291
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.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-r6ebe6-0000839291. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000839291.json.