Children's Residential Care and Education, including Short Break, Services Flexible Framework Agreement

What this is

Scotland Excel's flexible framework for children's residential care and education services across Scotland — four service options: residential care, residential care and education, short breaks, and day education. The framework is established and remains OPEN for new provider admission throughout its 72-month duration (until 29 September 2028) — existing framework providers do not re-apply. Estimated GBP 951,000,000 excluding VAT across all lots; light-touch social-services procedure via PCS-Tender (project 22548).

Key points

• Scotland-wide children's residential care & education flexible framework (Scotland Excel)
• OPEN admission — providers can join any time until Sep 2028
• 4 service options: residential care, care+education, short breaks, day education
• Care Inspectorate registration + grade 3 minimum on inspections
• GBP 951m est. — the main route to council placements
• Existing framework providers need not re-apply

Who can bid

Open-admission flexible framework: new providers can apply at any time until 29 Sep 2028 via PCS-Tender (project 22548, Schedule 8 guidance). Reserved to Care Inspectorate / Education Scotland-registered providers with appropriately registered staff.

• Care Inspectorate / Education Scotland
• CI grade >= 3

How it is scored

Admission-based (not a one-off competition): registration + minimum Care Inspectorate grade 3 on all inspected key questions, plus the documented criteria.

Money

GBP 951m estimated framework value across Scotland's councils over the duration.

Performance guarantee

Ongoing regulatory registration must be maintained; failure can exclude a provider.

How to submit

Via PCS-Tender (project 22548) at any time before 29 September 2028 12:00.

Clarifications

Through PCS-Tender messaging for project 22548.

Contract period

72-month flexible framework used by councils across Scotland; admitted providers are listed on the Scotland Excel Contracts Register.

Classification

CPV 85310000 — Social work services 85311300 — Welfare services for children and young people80000000 — Education and training services Scotland