2026 - Flexible Early Learning and Childcare Service - Funded Providers

Tender description

Highland Council is required by Scottish Government, under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, to provide a funded placement of 1140 hours per year to all eligible 2 year olds and all children aged from 3 to those not yet attending Primary School, effective from August 2021. Lot 1: Highland Council is required by Scottish Government, under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, to provide a funded placement of 1140 hours per year to all eligible 2 year olds and all children aged from 3 to those not yet attending Primary School, this framework will be effective from August 2026. In accordance with The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, Regulation 74, the Council intends to establish a Flexible Framework to secure external providers who can supplement the Council’s internal early learning and childcare provision. The proposed Framework will be for 3 years, with an option to extend for one additional year. There will also be options for Tenderers to apply to the Framework every 4 months. *Please note, you will not come into partnership with the Council until the term after your acceptance. The Funding Follows the Child approach places choice in parents’ and carers’ hands allowing them to access their child’s funded entitlement with a range of ELC providers, therefore the Council are seeking to set up a Flexible Framework for the provision of early learning and childcare services under the Light Touch Rules contained within the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. All providers who apply and meet the national standards, legislation, the Council's procedural requirements and accept the rates and contract terms set out by the Council shall be accepted to deliver funded provision through the Flexible Framework. APPLICATION PROCESS The application process opens on 24th June 2026 and the initial review of applications will take 5 weeks with applications being reviewed thereafter on an ongoing basis. All applications are to be sent to the elcteam@highland.gov.uk email address. Ideally, applications should be completed electronically, rather than scanned and sent. This will ensure that the process is kept as efficient as possible. The application form and further relevant information can be downloaded once you have registered your interest in this notice. If you require further assistance, please contact: Caroline Green, caroline.green@highland.gov.uk Liz Scott, liz.scott2@highland.gov.uk Tracy McIlvar, tracy.mcilvar@highland.gov.uk