Procurement description
The London Borough of Bromley is seeking views of potential providers regarding the future operation of Community Vision Nursery, currently managed by the Council.
Community Vision Nursery is located in Penge and shares its site with the Community Vision Children and Family Centre. The nursery has its own independent access and can operate as a self-contained facility.
The nursery is registered for 55 children across age groups under two, two, three, and four years old. Staffing details include 19 permanent staff posts, 9 bank staff, 2 agency staff, totalling 18.50 FTE. Out of the 19 permanent posts there are 8 vacant posts. It is worth noting that there are current recruitment processes for additional 3 full time nursery practitioners and 4 bank staff via agency.
The nursery has three rooms in operation: one for babies, one for toddlers and one for pre-school. There is a fourth room, not in operation, which would be ideal for a second baby room.
Community Vision Nursery was inspected by Ofsted in October 2023 and received a GOOD rating across all judgement areas.
Using the figures for the financial year 2024/25, the running cost of the nursery was £565.4k. For the same period, the nursery had income in fees and recharges to the value of £517k.
It is important to note that as of September 2025, eligible working parents in England are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months up to school age, thus generating a much-increased gross turnover for the potential future provider.
The Council is considering entering a concession contract with an external provider for the period of ten years. The estimated value of the concession contract for outsourcing the Community Vision Nursery, based on the annual fee income of £517k, over a 10 year period, is £5,170,000.
For the purposes of the pre-market engagement, it has been assumed the nursery will operate as a self‑contained facility, including its own kitchen, storage areas, toilets, and external play space. Access would be independent of the Children & Family Centre reception. In addition, two designated staff parking spaces and a parental drop‑off bay would be provided in the shared car park. Basic terms would be along the lines of the following:
• The occupier will be responsible for all outgoings (e.g. utilities, business rates, etc.). No service charge will be payable.
• Term: Minimum of 10 years
• Break Option: Mutual Landlord and Tenant break on the 5th anniversary, exercisable with 12 months' prior written notice
• Rent Review: At year 5
• Rent Review Basis: CPI + 1%, capped at 5%, compounded over the 5‑year period
• Estimated Rent Payable: £78,000 per annum + VAT (where/as applicable)
The indicative contract start date is September 2026. The successful provider will inherit existing staff under TUPE regulations. The Council will require assurance that continuity of care for vulnerable children is maintained.