University of York - Construction of a New Nursery Building

The University of York ("the University") wishes to appoint a suitable contractor ("the Contractor") to construct its new Nursery facility to be located at the University's Campus East location.

The projects principle aim is to provide a new nursery setting that is in keeping with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills), EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and DfE (Department for Education) guidelines. It is hoped that the new Nursery will help the maintain the "Good" rating currently held by the University Nursery team, and allow the Nursery to go for an "excellent" rating in the future.

The new Nursery shall accommodate 94 nursery spaces, and will incorporate a flexible use space that will have potential to develop a Crèche facility. The Nursery shall also take into account the proposed change in how the setting is catered for (move away from food being prepped by a third party and just warmed up on site) with the provision of a more substantial kitchen.

The University nursery reflects the strategic commitment of the University of York towards providing childcare for the University itself and its wider community. It provides a high quality service that echoes the values of the University and this is due to the highly qualified and professional staffing group.

The successful Contractor shall provide a new contemporary Nursery that will sit seamlessly within the existing landscape. The setting itself will provide ample indoor and outdoor play spaces, the transition between these spaces will be designed to be safe and where possible barrier free. The new setting will make use of the woodland nearby providing opportunities for outdoor learning and experience of the natural environment.

The aims of the Nursery shall be:

(a) To provide support and a framework so that the needs of the University community with regard to preschool age children are met;

(b) To advance the education of children below compulsory school age by providing a safe, satisfying and developmentally appropriate curriculum in which parents are encouraged to take part.

(c) To comply with OFSTED regulations in providing the above services.

(d) A highly sustainable building constructed to achieve 2030 carbon neutral targets.

Pre-pandemic, a range of options were explored and approval was gained to build a new Nursery on Campus East with funding of £4.5m for construction.

The University shall follow the Restricted procedure with expressions of interest sought before inviting tenders. Tenders shall be single stage, with the Contractor appointed following a Traditional procurement using the JCT Standard Building Contract form of contact with University amendments.

The key dates for the procurement are proposed as follows:

Publish contract notice and procurement documents: 14th April 22

Deadline for the return of completed Selection Questionnaires: 16th May 22

Selection Questionnaire evaluation and shortlising of bidders: by the 30th May 22

Invitation to tender period (6 weeks): from 30th May through to the 11th June 22

Award decision: 25th June 22

Please note that the full planning application will have a 13 week determination period, this coupled with the production time required for the application information the scheme will not have full planning approval until August 2022.