2026 - Flexible Early Learning and Childcare Service - Funded Providers

What this is

Highland Council is establishing a Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Funded Providers, effective from August 2026, to secure external providers who can supplement the Council's internal ELC provision. All providers who apply and meet national standards, legislation and the Council's procedural requirements, and accept the rates and terms set by the Council, shall be accepted. The framework runs for 3 years with an option to extend for 1 year, and has rolling admissions every 4 months.

Key points

• Flexible Framework — admission-based, not competitive; all compliant providers accepted
• Application process open from 24 June 2026; apply to elcteam@highland.gov.uk
• Rolling 4-month admission windows; 3+1 year framework

Who can bid

Providers must meet national ELC standards under Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and Council's procedural requirements, and accept Council's rates and terms. Application form and information downloadable after registering interest.

How it is scored

Not a competitive process — all compliant applicants admitted. Rolling 4-month admission windows.

Money

No estimated value stated. 1140 hours per year funded ELC for eligible 2 year olds and children aged 3 to school age. Funding follows the child.

How to submit

Applications to elcteam@highland.gov.uk. Application process opened 24 June 2026; initial review takes 5 weeks. Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis thereafter.

Clarifications

Contact: Caroline Green (caroline.green@highland.gov.uk), Liz Scott (liz.scott2@highland.gov.uk), Tracy McIlvar (tracy.mcilvar@highland.gov.uk). Reference: HC/EDL/ELC/2026.

Contract period

3-year framework from August 2026 with option to extend for 1 further year. Rolling admissions every 4 months.

Classification

CPV 85000000 — Health and social work services ScotlandHighlands and Islands