West of England Childcare Research

Published date: 19 November 2024

Contract summary

Industry

Research services - 73110000

Location of contract

BS1 6AL

Value of contract

£30,000

Procurement reference

CF-0002600DWS000000ED3p2AG

Published date

19 November 2024

Closing date

5 December 2024

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

16 December 2024

Contract end date

21 February 2025

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (below threshold)

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

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Description

The West of England Combined Authority is looking to commission research to further inform policy proposals which aim to tackle challenges the early years sector faces in the region (Bath and North-East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire).

Our research has identified a pressing need to address staffing shortages in the childcare sector, focusing on both recruitment and retention. To tackle this, we have developed a concept for a West of England Childcare Academy. This academy would help new entrants gain the necessary qualifications and provide opportunities for existing staff to enhance their skills and advance professional standards. The goal is to make childcare a more attractive career, offering better prospects for growth. The Academy will particularly focus on upskilling, management training, health and wellbeing support, and targeted recruitment of underrepresented groups. In addition, we are evaluating the region's childcare infrastructure needs, including the creation of new facilities, upgrading existing ones, and pinpointing areas with inadequate childcare provision.

A key finding of our research to date is that workforce shortages are limiting the availability of childcare places, with many settings running below capacity. We want to better understand the extent to which staffing shortages act as a barrier to increasing childcare provision in the region. We also want to understand the infrastructure challenges that providers face, as well as how a lack of childcare infrastructure in a local area impacts parents.

The Mayoral Combined Authority uses ATAMIS as its e-Procurement system. Suppliers will need to register at - https://weca-atamis.my.site.com/s/Welcome - to access full documents and submit proposals.

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How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

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About the buyer

Contact name

Darron Jones

Address

Rivergate House, 70 Redcliff Street, Redcliffe
Bristol
BS1 6AL
GB

Telephone

07436601482

Email

darron.jones@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

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