Cardiff Council Dynamic Market for Government-Funded Childcare

Cardiff Council is establishing a Dynamic Market arrangement to deliver government-funded childcare across the city. This flexible procurement mechanism allows registered childcare providers, including childminders registered with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), to apply for contracts to deliver funded childcare places. Initial Focus: The arrangement will prioritize delivering 12.5 hours of Welsh Government-funded Flying Start childcare for two- to three-year-olds, ensuring adequate childcare capacity throughout Cardiff. Eligibility Requirements: Providers must be registered with Care Inspectorate Wales and meet the Council's requirements for quality, safeguarding, operations, and contracts, as well as Welsh Government childcare guidance. Future Expansion: Subject to Welsh Government policy and funding confirmation, the Dynamic Market may expand to include increased provision for two-year-olds, extended childcare for three- and four-year-olds, and potential provision for children aged nine months to two years. Term and Value: The arrangement will operate for an initial 4 years with options to extend for two additional 2-year periods (8 years total). The indicative maximum annual value is £15,276,300 at the current rate of £8 per child per hour. Actual funding will vary based on population changes, parental uptake, and future Welsh Government allocations. Key Benefits: The Dynamic Market remains open to new eligible providers throughout its lifetime, supporting parental choice, improving access to childcare in communities across Cardiff, strengthening market capacity including Welsh-medium provision, and providing the Council with a flexible commissioning model responsive to policy and funding changes.