Purpose

This report sets out a proposed approach to
the commissioning of mentoring services for children and young
people with SEND and mental health needs who are avoiding
school.
 
Mentoring services are currently contracted as
part of the Rebuilding Bridges project, a DfE-funded pilot project
which has been operating since June 2022. The current contract for
mentoring services expires on 31 March 2025.
 
A five-month extension of aspects of the
current contract for mentoring services until 31 August 2025 at a
value of £36,750 is being proposed, to ensure continuity of
support for this vulnerable cohort of children and young people and
their families.
The proposed new contract would start on 1
September 2025 and consist of delivery of regular community-based
one to one mentoring support sessions during school hours and
school holidays for children and young people aged 6-16 with SEND
and mental health needs who are not engaging with or avoiding
school. The provider will work in partnership with the Educational
Psychology service and wider network to support young people to
reengage with education.
 
As the total contract value is below the Light
Touch Contract (LTC) threshold, officers are proposing to procure
this service through a Request for Quotation (RFQ)
process.
 
The contract will run for an initial period of
36 months, with the option of a further extension of 24 months. The
estimated total contract value over the maximum 60 month period is
£468,266 (£93,653 per annum on average).
 
 

Content

THAT the Executive Director
Children and Learning approves the procurement strategy, which
includes a price/quality split of 40% price and 60% quality, a
contract term of 36 months, plus one extension of 24 months at the
sole discretion of the Council, for an estimated aggregate value
(including extension) of £468,266.