Cambridgeshire County Council has launched a Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) for providers of early years education and childcare (EYEC).
The PDPS will be used to advertise all upcoming opportunities for providing EYEC from council-owned premises, including new schools. Providers who are interested in upcoming opportunities, or who wish to extend their lease in future, will need to apply to join it.
It is important to note that childcare providers who are not on the PDPS will not be able to apply for any of these opportunities, even if they are the incumbent provider and are already offering EYEC services from the location in question.
The application round to join the PDPS closed on 8 March 2024. After this date, applications to join the PDPS will not be accepted again until 2025.
The application form can be found here: Application to join the PDPS
How to join
Providers will be able to join the PDPS on an annual basis. To join, you will need to complete an online application form which will be assessed by a panel of officers with a breadth of expertise in place planning and sufficiency, early years, and procurement. Applicants must score at least 40% overall and score a minimum of four (satisfactory) on four key questions. These key questions are:
- Outcomes
- Vulnerable children
- Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
- Safeguarding
Those who have previously been successful in joining the PDPS do not need to re-apply.
If you were unsuccessful in your previous application, we would welcome another application. There is no limit to the number of times you can re-apply.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Council’s procurement portal Proactis, available at the following webpage: Proactis Procurement Portal
A list of upcoming opportunities will be available on the procurement portal. This will include full day care, sessional provision, and breakfast and after school clubs too.
Further details about each opportunity, including the number of childcare places to be offered, will be available within the specification which will be sent to those who have successfully joined the PDPS.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Should you have any further questions, please email
placeplanningreferrals0-19@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, with ‘PDPS’ in the subject line.
