Early Learning and Childcare - South Lanarkshire Council Procured Service Arrangement

What this is

South Lanarkshire Council is establishing a Procured Services Arrangement (PSA) for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services under the Light Touch Regime. The arrangement provides funded early learning and childcare places for eligible children aged 2-5 in South Lanarkshire. The PSA has an estimated total value of £143.5 million and allows new providers to apply throughout its lifetime.

Key points

• Care Inspectorate registration for ELC mandatory
• Estimated total value £143.5 million over approximately 10 years
• Submission deadline 9 September 2026
• Light Touch Regime applies — flexible framework open throughout lifetime
• Fair Work First commitments required

Who can bid

Providers must hold Care Inspectorate registration for ELC services, meet the National Standard for funded ELC, and have appropriate child protection and safeguarding policies in place. SPD required.

How it is scored

Quality 95% · Price 5% 95% quality (service delivery methodology, staffing qualifications and development, safeguarding and wellbeing, management and governance, Fair Work First), 5% price.

Money

Estimated total value £143.5 million over the duration. Funded ELC places paid at agreed hourly/sessional rates set by South Lanarkshire Council.

How to submit

Submit electronically via PCS-Tender (publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk). Deadline 9 September 2026 at 12:00.

Clarifications

Clarification questions submitted via PCS-Tender messaging. Deadline prior to submission closing date.

Contract period

Approximately 125 months from contract commencement. PSA open to new entrants throughout its lifetime under the Light Touch Regime.

Classification

CPV 80110000 — Pre-primary education services 85000000 — Health and social work services ScotlandSouth Lanarkshire