Early Years Investment Fund Manager

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is intended to inform the market of a prospective opportunity relating to the establishment of a funding vehicle designed to increase the provision of early years places in England, focusing on those private and voluntary providers who will deliver the 30 hours extended entitlement (coming into effect September 2017). By increasing the availability of 30 hour places, the Fund aims to create a work incentive for families with young children. Alongside the work incentive, the funding vehicle will focus on providers who are able to demonstrate social impact, directly through the provision of their childcare services and/or through provision of additional services in the wider community.

It is anticipated that the loan investments made to providers will be used for working capital (including operating costs); traditional capital builds (including new builds, expansions and refurbishments) and maintenance and infrastructure improvement projects.

See 'Attachments' for a full description and further information.

Additional information: Supplier Engagement Event

DfE intends to hold a Supplier Engagement Event on 28th July 2016 in London. Further information will be available on the proposed project, procurement process and timetable and suppliers will be able to meet key members of the project team involved in this procurement.

Interested parties must pre-register to attend this Supplier Engagement Event by emailing: earlyyears.FUND@education.gsi.gov.uk by Friday 22nd July 2016 giving attendees’ names (no more than two per organisation) and the organisation name, and DfE will be in touch to confirm event logistic arrangements. Any changes to timings or date will be shared with all parties immediately. Interested parties are encouraged to pre-register at the earliest opportunity as places are limited.

Interested parties who register their interest but are unable to attend the event will be given access to copies of the same materials as those attending.

Any potential supplier will need to have due regard to state aid compliance in setting out the Fund’s design, raising investment capital and allocating both the grant and loan investments. Further information can be obtained from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/state-aid

It is anticipated that the contract will be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) at the end of August 2016.

Disclaimers and conditions: No information provided by the DfE, contained in this notice or in any communication made between DfE and any party in connection with the Early Years Fund Manager shall be relied upon as constituting a contract, or representation that any contract will necessarily be offered.

DfE reserves the right to change without notice any documents and communications, in whole or in part during the procurement process. Under no circumstances shall DfE incur any liability in respect of any documentation issued as part of this process nor shall DfE reimburse any costs incurred by any parties in connection with attendance or participation at the Supplier Engagement Event.