Upcoming Opportunity - Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places

Descriptions

The Council will shortly be issuing a tender relating to a new Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places in Renfrewshire. This new Flexible Framework will replace the Council’s current Flexible Framework (RC-CPU-20-113) which is due to expire on 23 May 2026. The Council is seeking to procure the service of a number of local providers in respect of the future provision of early learning and childcare places within the Renfrewshire Council Area in addition to and to supplement the service provided at Council premises. This will allow the Council flexibility to offer Parents and Carers (including kinship carers) a choice of provider for the funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) entitlement via a Council owned and managed nursery or from an independent or third sector provider. Interested Providers should be aware that there is a new shared framework which replaces both How good is our early learning and childcare and A quality framework for daycare of children, childminding and school-aged childcare and the Care Inspectorate will begin to use the new framework for inspection from September 2025. The Council may use the Shared Framework as part of the assessment criteria for the upcoming tender process. The scope of Services to be provided under this Flexible Framework falls within the definition of a “social and other specific” service under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 and therefore the Flexible Framework is not subject to the full requirements of the aforementioned regulations. The Flexible Framework will allow participating Providers to add new Services and newly Commissioned Places. It will also allow for admissions by New Entrants (Providers) throughout its duration and will be reopened at the discretion of the Council depending on demand for Services. The Flexible Framework will be split in two lots as follows: Lot 1 – Registered Day-Care Providers Lot 2 – Registered Childminder