Six Contracts for Early Learning and Childcare Places November 2025
Renfrewshire Council · 5 February 2026
Back to Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board — 5 February 2026 and its agenda
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board On: 5 February 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: The Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Children’s Services ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Contract Authorisation Report for Six Contracts for Early Learning and Childcare Places November 2025 (RC-CPU-25-071, RC-CPU-25-072, RC-CPU-25-073, RC-CPU-25-074, RC-CPU-25-075 and RC-CPU-25- 078) ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek the approval of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board to enter into six separate Contracts for Early Learning and Childcare Places as detailed in paragraph 2 (i) below. 1.2 The procurement exercise for each of these Contracts was conducted as a Negotiated Procedure in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016 and the Renfrewshire Council Standing Orders relating to Contracts for health and social care services contracts. 1.3 A Contract Strategy covering all six Contracts was approved by the Interim Corporate Procurement Manager on 31 July 2025 and the Head of Education, Children’s Services on 7 August 2025. ___________________________________________________________________
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PUBLIC 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board: (i) Authorises the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into six separate Contracts: 1.1. RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places to RAM 211 Limited (CRN SC384523, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS2010273088 and Provider Number SP2010011260), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £631,835 excluding VAT; 1.2. RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places to Mid Gavin Nursery Limited (CRN SC219812, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS20091950007 and Provider Number SP2009010310), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £552,802 excluding VAT; 1.3. RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places to Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited (CRN SC289081, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS2005107944 and Provider Number SP2005007827), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £180,000 excluding VAT; 1.4. RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places to Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) (CRN SC335906, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS2011280672 and Provider Number SP2008009795), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £306,782 excluding VAT; 1.5. RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places to Insafehandschildcare Limited (CRN SC461804, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS2013319854 and Provider Number SP2013012146), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £485,148 excluding VAT; 1.6. RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places to Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) (CRN SC335906, Care Inspectorate Service Number CS2016351379 and Provider Number SP2008009795), for a contract period of up to 1 year with the option to extend for a
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PUBLIC period of up to 1 year, with a maximum value of up to £375,340 excluding VAT; (ii) Note that each of these six Contracts are intended to commence on 7 April 2026, the exact Commencement Date will be confirmed in the respective Letter of Acceptance. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Renfrewshire Council has a statutory duty to provide Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places to eligible children. Children’s Services manages the provision of Scottish Government Funding in respect of eligible pre-school children who attend nurseries or childminders (Settings) within the Renfrewshire Council area. In addition to the Council run Settings, the Council commissions ELC places in private and voluntary sector nurseries and with childminders through a Flexible Framework. This allows the Council flexibility to offer Parents a choice of Provider for the funded ELC entitlement. The current Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places (RC-CPU-20-113) will expire on 23 May 2026. 3.2 Scottish Government Funding Follows the Child (FFtC) and the National Standard for ELC Providers: Operating Guidance (Published December 2023) informs of the universal funded entitlement to high quality, nurturing ELC for all 3 to 5 year old and eligible 2 year old children in Scotland. The minimum requirement of the National Standard is for Providers to hold evaluations of ‘Good or better’ in Care Inspectorate inspections. The six Providers recommended for award of a shorter term negotiated contract do not currently meet evaluations of ‘Good or better’ across all Care Inspectorate quality themes inspected and therefore would not be eligible to participate in the Council’s Flexible Framework until they meet this minimum requirement. 3.3 The six short term negotiated contracts are required to ensure continuity of provision for children currently attending these Settings and to ensure adequate provision in these localities within Renfrewshire Council area for new Commissioned Places. This approach allows the Council to work with current Settings providing support to improve their inspection evaluations. 3.4 All six Providers would be encouraged to apply at the next available opening of the Council’s Flexible Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Places (RC-CPU-25-008) when the minimum evaluation requirements are met.
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PUBLIC 3.5 The Interim Corporate Procurement Manager approved the procedure for procurement of individual negotiated contracts without competition in accordance with the Procurement Reform Rules and the Renfrewshire Council Standing Orders relating to Contracts for health and social care services contract. 3.6 On 7 November 2025, 5 economic operators were invited separately to submit a Tender and on 24 November 2024, 1 economic operator (Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited) was invited to submit a Tender, with each individual response to be made by the return deadline of 12 noon on 8 December 2025. 3.7 The following providers were invited to respond to these specific opportunities: a. RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places - RAM 211 Limited; b. RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Mid Gavin Nursery Limited; c. RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited; d. RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery); e. RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Insafehandschildcare Limited; f. RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery). 3.8 Each of the providers invited to submit a response replied to the relevant Invitation to Contract. The evaluation was carried out by representatives from Children’s Services, Corporate Procurement Unit (CPU), Health and Safety, Finance, Risk and Security and Compliance teams. 3.9 In accordance with Council’s Standing Order relating to Contracts 11.5, a Single Procurement Document (Scotland) required to be completed as part of the Tender submission for each contract. Each SPD (Scotland) was considered against predetermined criteria.
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PUBLIC 3.10 Following review of the SPD (Scotland) received: a) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places from RAM 211 Limited is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland); b) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places from Mid Gavin Nursery Limited is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland); c) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places from Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland); d) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places from Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland); e) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places from Insafehandschildcare Limited is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland); f) Tender submission for RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places from Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) is compliant with the selection criteria set out within the SPD (Scotland). 3.11 Each response was then evaluated against the Price/Quality Award Criteria detailed in the respective Invitation to Contract. 3.12 The evaluation outcome for each Contract is noted as follows: 3.12.1 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • RAM 211 Limited submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract; • RAM 211 Limited confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price; 3.12.2 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • Mid Gavin Nursery Limited submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract;
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PUBLIC • Mid Gavin Nursery Limited confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price; 3.12.3 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract; • Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price; 3.12.4 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract; • Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price; 3.12.5 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • Insafehandschildcare Limited submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract; • Insafehandschildcare Limited confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price; 3.12.6 Tender Submission for RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places: • Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) submission met the requirements set out in the Invitation to Contract; • Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) confirmed they will deliver the Service for the agreed Price;
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PUBLIC 3.13 Community Benefits were requested as part of each of these Contracts. The following Community Benefits will be delivered under the respective contract: RC-CPU-25-071 RAM 211 Limited Community Benefit Number Offered S/NVQ (or equivalent) for • New Employee • Existing Employee • Supply Chain Employee 3 RC-CPU-25-072 Mid Gavin Nursery Limited Community Benefit Number Offered Modern Apprenticeship 5 Work Experience Placement for an individual in full time education 4 Industry Awareness Events • Schools • Invest in Renfrewshire – Employability • Further Education 1 RC-CPU-25-073 Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited Community Benefit Number Offered S/NVQ (or equivalent) for • New Employee • Existing Employee • Supply Chain Employee 1 Industry Awareness Events • Schools • Invest in Renfrewshire – Employability • Further Education 1 RC-CPU-25-074 Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) Community Benefit Number Offered Job for an unemployed individual 1 Work Experience Placement for an individual 16+ years of age 1 Work Experience Placement for an individual in full time education 1
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PUBLIC RC-CPU-25-075 Insafehandschildcare Limited Community Benefit Number Offered Modern Apprenticeship 1 Work Experience Placement for an individual in full time education 1 RC-CPU-25-078 Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) Community Benefit Number Offered Job for an unemployed individual 1 Work Experience Placement for an individual 16+ years of age 1 Work Experience Placement for an individual in full time education 1 ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial - The maximum contract values: RC-CPU-25-071 up to £631,835 excluding VAT; RC-CPU-25-072 up to £552,802 excluding VAT; RC-CPU-25-073 up to £180,000 excluding VAT; RC-CPU-25-074 up to £306,782 excluding VAT; RC-CPU-25-075 up to £485,148 excluding VAT; RC-CPU-25-078 up to £375,340 excluding VAT; for the initial up to 1 year period plus further up to 1 year extension will be met from the Early Learning and Childcare Budget. The anticipated Commencement Date for each of these six Contracts is 07 April 2026. 2. HR & Organisational Development - None directly arising from this report. 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is well - o Promoting wellbeing and good mental health, particularly in our young people; o Developing strong community-based services that respond to local need. • Our Renfrewshire is fair – o Ensuring our children get the best possible start in life; o Addressing the poverty related attainment gap, and young people can achieve success after school;
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PUBLIC o Ensuring all eligible receive their entitlement of 1140 hours of early learning and childcare. • Our Renfrewshire is safe – o Protecting vulnerable adults and children, ensuring they can live safely and independently. • Fair - nurturing bright, happy and healthy futures for all o Reducing child poverty in Renfrewshire and improving outcomes for children and families currently living in poverty; o Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, including children and young people who are at risk; o Supporting and nurturing children and families, with particular focus on early intervention and mental health and wellbeing, to ensure positive outcomes for children and young people; o Placing the rights and needs of every child and young person at the centre of our decision making and service delivery; o Promoting a shared vision and refreshed understanding of inclusion for our children and young people; and o Raising educational attainment while ensuring equity for all our children and young people. 4. Legal – Each of these six contracts follows a procurement exercise which was conducted as a negotiated procedure in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016 and the Renfrewshire Council Standing Orders relating to Contracts. Legal risk including a challenge from other Providers has been considered and balanced against the need to ensure continuity and availability of service provision within Renfrewshire and recognising Parent/Carer choice of Provider/Setting. 5. Property/Assets - None directly arising from this report. 6. Information Technology - The cyber submissions for each of the six tender submissions were evaluated by the Council’s Security and Compliance team and were all scored “Pass” as satisfying the Council’s requirements: • RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places – RAM 211 Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Mid Gavin Nursery Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited (Pass);
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PUBLIC • RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Insafehandschildcare Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) (Pass). 7. Equality & Human Rights - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored. 8. Health & Safety - The Health and Safety submissions for each of the six tender submissions were evaluated by Health and Safety and were all scored “Pass” as satisfying the Council’s requirements: • RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places – RAM 211 Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Mid Gavin Nursery Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Insafehandschildcare Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) (Pass). 9. Procurement – The procurement procedures outlined within this report comply with the principles of procurement in accordance with the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and Regulation 6 of the Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016. 10. Risk - The insurance documents submitted with each tender submission for each contract was assessed by Renfrewshire Council’s
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PUBLIC Risk Officer, and all were all scored “Pass” as satisfying the Council’s requirements: • RC-CPU-25-071 Early Learning and Childcare Places – RAM 211 Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-072 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Mid Gavin Nursery Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-073 Early Learning and Childcare Places – Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-074 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery) (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-075 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Insafehandschildcare Limited (Pass); • RC-CPU-25-078 Early Learning and Childcare Places - Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery) (Pass). 11. Privacy Impact - All six contracts contain Renfrewshire Council’s General Conditions of Contract including Data Protection Conditions. The Providers (RAM 211 Limited, Mid Gavin Nursery Limited, Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited, Collin Care Limited (Rivendale Nursery), Insafehandschildcare Limited and Collin Care Limited (Glencoats Lodge Nursery)) will be a Data Controller under the respective Contract and, as such, have a legal responsibility to comply with Data Protection legislation when collecting, processing and storing personal data. 12. Climate Risk – The level of impact associated with the services was assessed using the Scottish Government Sustainability Test and is considered to be low impact. 13. Children’s Rights – This report demonstrates compliance with Articles 1 – 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 14. Cosla Policy Position – None directly arising from this report. _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers – None ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Sarah Ford, Senior Procurement Specialist, Corporate Procurement Unit, sarah.ford@renfrewshire.gov.uk