Purpose

Approval to Proceed to Tender the Children’s Centres and the Best Start Family Hubs.

Decision

1. Approved the delivery model for Children’s Centres and Best Start Family Hubs.
2. Approved the procurement of a contract for the delivery of the Children’s Centres and Best Start Family Hubs services for an initial period of 5 years (1 April 2027 - 31 March 2032) which can be extended after the initial five years for any period or periods up to 4 years in total (up to 31 March 2036).
3. Noted that the Family Hubs elements of service is initially only offered for the first two years of the contract and is subject to DfE and DHSC funding.
4. Noted that the procurement would be carried out through an Open Tender procedure for Light Touch Services under the Procurement Act 2023.
5. Approved the contract value of £34,519,180 for the contract, calculated as follows:

•        Payment for provision of the core Children’s Centres service at an annual value of £3,726,320 (for the 9 years) being a total of £33,536,880 over the contract; and

•        Payment for provision of Best Start Family Hubs service for the initial 2 years of the contract (£490,300 Year 1, £492,000 Year 2), being the period for which DfE and DHSC funding has been confirmed so far.

1. Noted that provision of Best Start Family Hubs service beyond Year 2 of the contract is dependent upon future receipt of DfE and DHSC Best Start Family Hubs grant and additional funding will be approved by a separate report as and when confirmed by the DfE and DHSC.