Award of Review the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Equity and Excellence Lead Programme

The Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare Division (Children and Families Directorate), on behalf of Scottish Ministers, wishes to commission a research project to review the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Equity and Excellence Lead (EE Lead) Programme.The review will support wider work to ensure benefits for children and families are maximised, to generate learning on best practice to improve delivery and to ensure effective support for post-holders. It is hoped that the research will provide an insight into two elements, namely:1. How EE Leads/ equivalent post holders are being deployed, what interventions are being put in place to close the poverty-related outcomes gap and good practice in delivery of the programme – through a fact-finding exercise with all local authorities; and2. The extent to which the programme is contributing to the identified outcomes – through focused research in a illustrative sample of 3-4 local authority areas.This specification sets out what is required, provides background information and suggestions on methodology. Bidders are also encouraged to propose additional or alternative methods for carrying out this work within the available budget and timescale.