Social and other specific services – public contracts
Prior information notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
North Ayrshire Council
Cunninghame House, Friars Croft
Irvine
KA12 8EE
UK
Telephone: +44 1294310000
E-mail: procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM93
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00337
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement (New Entrants)
Reference number: NAC/5198
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85312110
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
North Ayrshire Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement is now live, and in accordance with the terms of the framework new applicants are invited to join the framework throughout the contract duration.
All providers who apply and meet the miniumum conditions of the Flexible Framework agreement (i.e. the National Standards & relevant legislation as noted in the attached documentation) and who accept the rates/framework terms and conditions shall be accepted to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework Agreement.
Please review the attached documentation for further information.
Completed applications should be sent to procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Applications received during the Flexible Framework period will be evaluated in a 4-6 week period from the application date.
Providers successfully appointed to the framework will be eligible to deliver funded placements from their date of appointment (i.e. the date an award letter is issued) until the Framework expiry date (31st July 2025).
Please note, the purpose of the Flexible Framework Agreement is to ensure that Providers meet the National Standards and requirements to be eligible to deliver funded placements. Providers should note that being appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement does not provide any guarantee of business.
The terms and conditions of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be the Early Learning and Childcare Model Terms and Conditions.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Lot 1 - Early Learning and Childcare Services (Including Private, Voluntary and Third Sector Settings)
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80110000
85312110
85312100
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM93
Main site or place of performance:
North Ayrshire
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 1 of this Flexible Framework Agreement sets out the minimum standards required from Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery) Services (including Private, Voluntary and Third Sector settings).
To apply for this Lot Providers must:
1) Read and review all documentation attached to this notice;
2) Submit a completed Part A (Information and Requirements) Form; and
3) Provide all required evidence listed in Part B (Provider Evidence Requirements) for Lot 1
Where initial evidence submitted does not provide sufficient assurance, additional evidence may be sought by the Council. Potential additional evidence that may be sought is outlined in the attached documents.
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Lot 2 - Childminding Services
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80110000
85312110
85312100
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM93
Main site or place of performance:
North Ayrshire
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 2 of this Flexible Framework Agreement sets out the minimum standards required from Childminding Services.
To apply for this Lot Providers must:
1) Read and review all documentation attached to this notice;
2) Submit a completed Part A (Information and Requirements) Form; and
3) Provide all required evidence listed in Part B (Provider Evidence Requirements) for Lot 2
Where initial evidence submitted does not provide sufficient assurance, additional evidence may be sought by the Council. Potential additional evidence that may be sought is outlined in the attached documents.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
03/08/2026
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
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:
The framework has been divided into lots to support SMEs to gain access to opportunities through the flexible framework. The nature of the services delivered are unlikely to be delivered through sub-contractors and therefore a sub-contract clause is not suitable for this type of services framework.
The Contracting Authority does not intend to include any community benefit requirements in this contract for the following reason:
The Flexible Framework does not provide a guarantee of work, therefore community benefits are not being made mandatory within the tender.
(SC Ref:792536)
A Contract Award Notice will be published on an annual basis confirming the names of providers awarded to the framework in that year.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=804062.
(SC Ref:804062)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
19/08/2025