Early Learning & Childcare Provision Framework (New Applicants October 2026)

Notice summary

Applications for submissions must be made by the deadline set (refer above), however the deadline for expressing an interest in the first instance must be made by 12 noon on 7 December 2026. The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 32952. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason: Not suitable The Contracting Authority does not intend to include any community benefit requirements in this contract for the following reason: Not suitable (SC Ref:845571)

Opportunity overview

Framework Agreement for Early Learning and Childcare Provision - New Applicants October 2026 OCTOBER 2026 REOPENING OF FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK - NOTE THAT FUNDED PROVIDERS ALREADY INCLUDED IN THE FRAMEWORK DO NOT REQUIRE TO RE-APPLY, THIS NOTICE IS APPLICABLE FOR NEW APPLICANTS ONLY

Lot 1 — Contract lot

As per the previously advertised Notice, the Flexible Framework commenced in April 2021 and in accordance with the terms therein, it is now being re-opened for new applicants to be included under the same terms as the original application exercise. Note that the initial 5 year term of the Framework commenced on 1 April 2021, therefore the end of the initial term of the contract ended on 31 March 2026 for all Providers included in the Framework, however an extension to this has been invoked as allowed under the terms of the Framework and therefore the new end date is 31 March 2028. ORIGINAL CONTRACT NOTICE TEXT: East Ayrshire Council require to set up a flexible Framework Agreement with Early Learning and Childcare Providers to support its statutory duty to make available funded early learning and childcare for all eligible children on an as required basis. The Framework Agreement will be for a period of 5 years with the option to extend for a further 2-years and will be re-opened for new applications to become a funded provider annually.

Contracting authority

East Ayrshire Council Corporate Procurement Team, London Road HQ, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU, UKM93, United Kingdom Contact: Heather Murray Email: heather.murray@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Website: http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Procurement timetable and procedure

Procedure: Open procedure

Legal basis: 32014L0024

Submission deadline: 10 December 2026 at 12:00 pm

Submission language: EN

CPV Classification

80110000 — Pre-school education services; 85312110 — Child daycare services

How to submit

The official Find a Tender notice directs suppliers to the buyer’s electronic tendering system. The procurement documents, clarifications and response area are managed there.

Open the buyer’s electronic tendering system ↗

TenderLab qualification first

Before we write, we establish whether the opportunity fits.

We examine the published participation conditions, service scope, geography, regulatory position, available evidence, mobilisation demands and commercial exposure with your team. We only confirm a full tender-writing engagement when the available information supports a responsible view that the provider meets the tender requirements.

If Early Learning & Childcare Provision Framework (New Applicants October 2026) is a credible fit, we can map the scored requirements, gather operational evidence and build the response around the buyer documents. The qualification check and any writing support do not guarantee an award; the contracting authority makes the final decision.