Funded Early Learning And Childcare Places Framework Agreement Reopening May
Framework Description
Scottish Borders Council's Funded Early Learning and Childcare Places Framework Agreement (ref SBC/CPS/1815) buys funded early learning and childcare for children aged two, three and four from private, voluntary and independent providers. The council reopens the framework to new providers from time to time. The reopening advertised in April 2025 had an estimated value of £3 million and was run under the Light Touch Regime.
Context & Use Case
The council uses the framework to place children in funded early learning and childcare with partner nurseries and childminders across the Scottish Borders. Admission is not competitive: providers that meet national standards, legislation and the council's procedural requirements, and accept the council's rates and contract terms, are accepted onto the framework and can then deliver funded places.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Nursery services, including private and third sector settings Lot 2: Childminder services Funded early learning and childcare for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
It suits private and third sector nurseries and childminders in the Scottish Borders that meet the national standards. Admission comes through reopenings rather than a competition, so providers apply when the council reopens the framework. The April 2025 reopening has closed, so new providers should check for the next window before applying.
Buyer Benefits
Families get a choice of setting, and the council gains enough capacity to deliver funded places across a largely rural area without tendering each placement. Fixed rates and standard terms make contracts with many small providers manageable, and reopening lets new settings join as demand changes.
Next Steps
Check Public Contracts Scotland and the council's procurement pages for the next reopening of SBC/CPS/1815. Before then, make sure your setting meets the national standards for funded provision and its inspection record is in good order, review the council's rates to confirm they work for you, and prepare policies and registration documents so you can apply quickly when the window opens.
How Athena Can Help
Because admission depends on meeting the council's standards rather than outscoring rivals, success comes down to a complete, accurate application. Athena's help joining council frameworks covers the selection and compliance questions, policies and certificates, with a check before you submit.
For nursery groups looking beyond the Borders, we offer bid writing for care providers on competitive childcare tenders and early years bidding advice to help you decide which opportunities are worth pursuing.
