Council to host event for anyone interested in running new nursery

Work is progressing well on the new nursery at UHI Orkney in Kirkwall and the Council is keen to hear from anyone interested in running the service. 

A “Meet the Buyer” event – the “buyer” being the Council – is being held on Wednesday 5 June, 2024, at Keelylang Early Years base, Pickaquoy Road, from 5.30pm-6.30pm for those who may be interested in operating a nursery service. 

Interested parties will be able to find out more information about the new 0-5 years nursery facility for the provision of childcare for up to 51 children. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about regulatory requirements for running a nursery and the formal procurement process. 

To ensure openness and transparency, all questions and answers will be noted and shared with all those taking part and the Council. You can book to go along by emailing elc@orkney.gov.uk 

The procurement notice is now live on Public Contracts Scotland with a deadline for expressions of interest of 20 June 2024. This can be viewed at: https://shorturl.at/YDwfc 

Service Manager Early Learning and Childcare, Catherine Diamond, said: “Orkney currently has no private or third sector nursery provider. The Council has been running a small temporary day care service for children aged 0-3 since August 2021 in an effort to meet the childcare needs of working families. 

“In June 2020, OIC agreed to build a new nursery next to UHI Orkney and that the running of it would be put out to tender. With the building project entering the next phase and an anticipated completion of the end of October 2024, we are keen to hear from those with an interest in finding out more about operating the service. 

“The purpose of the Meet the Buyer event is to give providers interested in tendering for the provision of nursery operator services the opportunity to learn more about the overall requirements for the service and to provide feedback to the authority on the proposals.” 

The contract is for four years, with the option of four one-year extensions. 

Background: 

Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd was awarded the £2.65m contract to build the new nursery. 

The total project cost of £3.12 million includes land and professional and statutory fees.