Decision

That the available six-month extension to the Education Psychology contract with Sanctuary Personnel Limited be agreed at an estimated value of £170k for the period 18 April to 30 September 2024.

That intent to set out a further Gateway report for decision on the longer-term arrangements for Education Psychology provision as set out in Paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 to Report CEF23081 be noted.

Reasons for the decision

The national shortage of qualified Educational Psychologists continues to place this service under significant pressure in meeting statutory deadlines.  The extension of the existing contract for a 6-month period will allow for a strategic service review to be undertaken and for the development and implementation of a sustainable plan for future service delivery, ensuring that the Local Authority will be able to meet its statutory obligations to Bromley's most vulnerable learners in the longer-term.