Contract award notice
Results of the procurement procedure
Section I: Contracting
entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Stirling Council
Strategic Commissioning, Old Viewforth
Stirling
FK8 2ET
UK
Telephone: +44 1786233384
E-mail: robbd@stirling.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM77
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.stirling.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00146
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
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
Professional Learning Services Framework
Reference number: SC2425-0223
II.1.2) Main CPV code
80500000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Stirling Council is seeking to award a framework for the provision of high quality professional learning, including formal qualifications, certificated courses and other evidence based learning.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement
Value excluding VAT:
527 552.00
GBP
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Delivery of required qualifications to meet SSSC registration
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM77
Main site or place of performance:
Stirling
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Stirling Council are seeking providers who can deliver SCQF Childhood Practice qualifications, which meet SSSC registration requirements for support workers, practitioners and managers.
The following requirements are deemed mandatory. N.B. Tenderers may be deemed as non-compliant if your company cannot provide the requirements as stated below.
The provider must be able deliver courses which meet the SSSC registration requirement for Support Workers, Practitioners and Managers working in Day Care of Children Services;
Suppliers must be able to provide at least 2 of the following courses in order to tender for this lot of the framework, however if suppliers are unable to a price for any of these courses then the highest price submitted by the other tenderers will be used for evaluation purposes.
Courses should include 2 or more of the following courses;
SVQ II Social Services Children and Young People
SVQ III Social Services Children and Young People
PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice
PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice
HND Childhood Practice
The provider may in addition provide any other relevant qualification accepted by the SSSC;
The provider shall also provide part qualifications, for example, individual modules required on a request and / or top-up basis;
The provider shall deliver these courses on a part-time and evening basis, within Stirling locality, or via online platform or blended learning;
The provider shall be Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approved.
The provider shall be registered with the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS);
The provider shall provide training which meets requirements of the Blueprint for 2020: The Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland: National Standards (Scottish Government, 2018);
Providers offering training for Managers / Lead Practitioners must be approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and fully comply with the Standard for Childhood Practice.
Deliver part/all courses online if required (e.g. COVID-19)
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 40
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 60
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Delivery of relevant early learning and childcare training
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM77
Main site or place of performance:
Stirling
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are seeking providers of high quality, face to face and / or online, training to support early learning and childcare (ELC) practitioners to:
Increase knowledge of child development theory and early brain development;
Develop practical ideas on developing learning through play;
Inspire creativity and develop innovative practice;
Engage parents in play and learning;
Provide high quality outdoor play and learning opportunities;
Support children’s health and wellbeing, including mental health and growth mindset;
Provide effective early maths and literacy experiences;
Support children to develop transferable skills;
Effectively lead an ELC service.
The following requirements are deemed mandatory. N.B. Tenderers may be deemed as non-compliant if your company cannot provide the requirements as stated below.
The provider shall deliver flexible and creative professional learning delivered by recognised and qualified providers; who can deliver high quality, innovative professional learning;
The provider shall deliver training which is linked to Curriculum for Excellence and Realising the Ambition principles, local and national priorities and reflects SSSC professional standards;
The provider shall deliver training linked to at least one of the following; Child development theory and early brain development; Learning through play; Creativity; Parental Engagement; Outdoor Play; Health and wellbeing; Maths; Literacy; Leadership.
All courses must be suitable for staff working with children under the age of 5 years
The provider shall deliver courses in or within travelling distance to Stirling Schools and Nurseries where required;
The provider shall deliver training that reflects relevant parts of Education Scotland’s national model of professional learning and the key principles and features of effective learning;
Deliver part/all courses online if required (e.g. COVID-19)
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: MS1 Compliance to Specification
/ Weighting: 50
Quality criterion: MS2 Expertise of Trainers
/ Weighting: 25
Quality criterion: MS3 Delivery Arrangements
/ Weighting: 10
Quality criterion: MS4 Contingency Planning
/ Weighting: 10
Quality criterion: MS5 Community Benefits
/ Weighting: 5
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 0
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Delivery of certificated First Aid Training
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM77
Main site or place of performance:
Stirling
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
This service specification is for the provision of First Aid Training that has been commissioned by the Schools, Learning and Education Team to meet essential learning requirements for a diverse workforce.
The provider shall deliver certificated First Aid training; course titles are:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
First Aid at Work (FAW) 18 hours
First Aid at Work (FAW) requalification 12 hours
Paediatric First Aid (or First Aid at Work (FAW) Babies and Children 0-8 years) 12 hours
Emergency Paediatric First Aid - 6 hours
The following requirements are deemed mandatory. N.B. Tenderers may be deemed as non-compliant if your company cannot provide the requirements as stated below.
The provider shall deliver certificated First Aid training, including First Aid at Work and/or Emergency First Aid and/or Paediatric First Aid and/or Emergency Paediatric First Aid. It is preferred that suppliers can provide all courses detailed above if not then suppliers must be able to provide prices for at least 3 courses detailed above. If suppliers are unable to price for any of these courses then the highest price submitted by the other tenderers will be used for evaluation purposes.
The Provider must deliver courses in or within travelling distance to Stirling Schools or Nurseries where required. Blended learning opportunities would also be welcomed;
The Provider must ensure that the training meets the statutory requirements laid out in the following pieces of legislation:
- Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
The Provider must comply with HSE advice and work in compliance with the Assessment Principles for First Aid Qualifications.
If suppliers are providing First Aid at Work (FAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW)requalification these courses must be SQA accredited. This does not apply for Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or Emergency Paediatric First Aid.
The Provider must use training materials, and teach first aid management of injuries and illness in accordance with current guidelines published by the Resuscitation Council (UK); and
- The current edition of the first-aid manual of the Voluntary Aid Societies (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, St Andrew’s First Aid); or
- other equivalent published guidelines, provided they are in line with the above or supported by a responsible body of medical opinion.
The Provider must ensure that trainer to delegate ratios are in accordance with current guidelines published by the Resuscitation Council (UK); and the current edition of the first-aid manual of the Voluntary Aid Societies (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, St Andrew’s First Aid).
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 40
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 60
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Lot No: 4
II.2.1) Title
Delivery of certificated Food Hygiene training and Level 2 Food Safety
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM77
Main site or place of performance:
Stirling
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
This service specification is for the provision of Food Hygiene / Safety Training that has been commissioned by the Schools, Learning and Education Team to meet essential learning requirements for a diverse workforce.
We are seeking providers who can provide certificated Elementary Food Hygiene(Face to Face or blended); Basic/Introductory Food Hygiene; Intermediate Food Hygiene.
Lot 4A - Level 2 Food Safety (Online)
The following requirements are deemed mandatory. N.B. Tenderers may be deemed as non-compliant if your company cannot provide the requirements as stated below.
Lot 4 - Provide certificated Elementary Food Hygiene, Introductory Food Hygiene and Intermediate Food Hygiene, which enables practitioners to carry out required food handling duties.
Lot 4 A– Provide certificated Level 2 Food Safety (online) which enables practitioners to carry out required food handling duties.
Elementary Food Hygiene providers should be approved by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), in line with the REHIS Regulations.
Level 2 Food Safety providers should have relevant accreditation / approval, for example, CPD Certified, ROSPA approved, Institute of Hospitality endorsed, EHO approved or equivalent.
Deliver courses in or within travelling distance to Stirling Schools or Nurseries where required or online in relation to Lot 4A;
Deliver courses at a variety of times suitable to catering, care and schools, learning and education, e.g. morning, afternoon, twilight, evening, full day / half day.
Deliver part/all courses online if required (e.g. COVID-19)
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 40
Cost criterion: Cost
/ Weighting: 60
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:
2025/S 000-073901
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 1
Title: Delivery of required qualifications to meet SSSC registration
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
26/06/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 7
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 3
Number of tenders received from tenderers from EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 7
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 7
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Child Central Training Limited
3 & 5 The Offices, Fountain Mews, Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan
Stirling
FK9 4EN
UK
NUTS: UKM
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Dumfries and Galloway College
Bankend Road, Dumfries
Dumfries
DG1 4FD
UK
NUTS: UKM
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Forth Valley College
Grangemouth Road
Falkirk
FK2 9AD
UK
NUTS: UKM76
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
New College Lanarkshire
1 Enterprise Way
Motherwell
ML1 2TX
UK
NUTS: UKM84
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Training Initiatives Ltd t/a TIGERS
Suite 1, C1, City Park, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow , Alexandra Parade
Glasgow
G31 3AU.
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
West Lothian College
Almondvale Crescent
Livingston
EH54 7EP
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 320 000.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 2
Title: Delivery of relevant early learning and childcare training
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
26/06/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 8
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 5
Number of tenders received from tenderers from EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 8
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 8
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Kate Hookham T/a Do Learn
10 Kippenross Home Farm, Glen Road
Dunblane
Fk150JZ
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
National Numeracy
Unit 54/55, Sussex Innovation Centre, Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB
UK
NUTS: UKJ21
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
New College Lanarkshire
1 Enterprise Way
Motherwell
ML1 2TX
UK
NUTS: UKM84
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Training Initiatives Ltd t/a TIGERS
Suite 1, C1, City Park, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow , Alexandra Parade
Glasgow
G31 3AU.
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
West Lothian College
Almondvale Crescent
Livingston
EH54 7EP
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
With Kids
15 Annfield Place
Glasgow
G31 2XE
UK
NUTS: UKM82
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 80 000.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 3
Title: Delivery of certificated First Aid Training
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
26/06/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 9
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 7
Number of tenders received from tenderers from EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 9
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 9
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
West Lothian College
Almondvale Crescent
Livingston
EH54 7EP
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Forth Valley College
Grangemouth Road
Falkirk
FK2 9AD
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Green Cross Training Ltd
Clyde Offices, 48 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 1BP
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
MARVEL TRAINING LTD.
60A STATION ROAD, KIVETON PARK
SHEFFIELD
S26 6QQ
UK
NUTS: UKE32
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Merged Education
Room 33 E K Business Centre, 14 Stroud Road
East Kilbride
G75 0YA
UK
NUTS: UKM
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Next Generation Training Limited
Hamilton Academical Business Centre, New Douglas Park, Cadzow Avenue
Hamilton
ML3 0FT
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Synergy Training Services Ltd
69, Harlequin Court
Hamilton
ML3 8SW
UK
NUTS: UKM
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Care Learning & Development
2/3 63 Kilnside Road
Paisley
PA1 1RP
UK
NUTS: UKM8
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 81 400.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section V: Award of contract
Lot No: 4
Title: Delivery of certificated Food Hygiene training and Level 2 Food Safety
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
26/06/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 12
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 9
Number of tenders received from tenderers from EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 12
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 12
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Forth Valley College
Grangemouth Road
Falkirk
FK2 9AD
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
MARVEL TRAINING LTD.
60A STATION ROAD, KIVETON PARK
SHEFFIELD
S26 6QQ
UK
NUTS: UKE32
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Next Generation Training Limited
Hamilton Academical Business Centre, New Douglas Park, Cadzow Avenue
Hamilton
ML3 0FT
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Catersafe Food Hygiene
1360 Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow
G41 3SB
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Dumfries and Galloway College
Bankend Road
Dumfries
DG14FD
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Tickety Boo Training
Kier Estate Office, Craigarnhall
Bridge of Allan
FK9 4NG
UK
NUTS: UKM77
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Lighthouse Business Consultants Ltd
Holmleigh, Wernrheolydd, Raglan
Monmouthshire
NP15 2LJ
UK
NUTS: UK
The contractor is an SME:
Yes
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 46 152.00
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
Lot 4 is for the delivery of certificated Food Hygiene training and Lot 4A is for Level 2 Food Safety (Online).
Suppliers awarded onto Lot 4:
Catersafe Food Hygiene
Dumfries & Galloway College
Forth Valley College
MARVEL TRAINING LTD.
Next Generation Training Limited
Tickety Boo Training
Suppliers awarded on to Lot 4A:
Forth Valley College
Lighthouse Business Consultants Limited
Marvel Training LTD
(SC Ref:836991)
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Stirling Sheriff Court
Stirling
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
10/07/2026