CE-176-23 - PROVISION OF FUNDED EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE (ELC) PLACES

What this is

South Ayrshire Council is establishing a Flexible Framework for Funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Places under the Light Touch Regime. The framework provides funded early learning and childcare places for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year-olds and some vulnerable 2-year-olds in South Ayrshire. Award is based on price only. New providers may apply throughout the framework's lifetime.

Key points

• Care Inspectorate registration for ELC services mandatory
• Award based on price only — funded rate set by South Ayrshire Council
• Framework open to new providers until 16 August 2027
• Light Touch Regime applies
• Covers funded ELC for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year-olds in South Ayrshire

Who can bid

Providers must hold Care Inspectorate registration for ELC services and meet the National Standard for funded ELC. Child protection, safeguarding, and appropriate staffing qualification requirements apply.

How it is scored

Quality 0% · Price 100% Award criteria is price only — providers accept the funded hourly rate set by South Ayrshire Council. Quality assessed at selection stage via eligibility criteria.

How to submit

Submit via PCS-Tender (publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk). Flexible framework open for new entrants throughout its lifetime.

Clarifications

Clarification questions submitted via PCS-Tender messaging functionality.

Contract period

48 months (4 years) from establishment. Flexible framework open to new providers throughout its lifetime until 16 August 2027 under the Light Touch Regime.

Classification

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