Purpose

To approve proposals of an Alternative
Provision [AP] Framework of commissioned providers to deliver
alternative curriculum provision, for children who are not able to
attend school and those needing additional support, increasing
choice, quality and value for money.

Decision

a)   
Approval for the establishment of a new flexible framework under
the Procurement Act 2023/ Light Touch Regime, to have elements of a
common service specification and terms with successful providers
who will provide the service
b)   
The framework agreement is split into three lots, enabling
potential providers to demonstrate how they can meet the
council’s requirements, needs, and quality measures to
deliver successful outcomes.
c)   
There is no contract or contractual obligations or commitment to
a single provider. All purchases will be made using call-off
contracts for individual children and young people by a referral
process to the local authority’s Starting Well Broker
Team.
d)   
To approve:
 

·      
The council procures an open
framework with multiple suppliers split across 3 lots: Lot 1
Education and Engagement activities, Lot 2 Mentoring and/or Lot 3
Tuition to provide alternative education
services.

·      
Cabinet delegates
authority to Service Director, Education, Skills and Learning to
carry out the procurement and award framework agreements to
successful bidders that meet the criteria.

·      
Cabinet delegates
authority to Service Director, Education, Skills and Learning to
take all necessary operational decisions to deliver recommendations
a and b above.
 

Alternative options considered

1.   
Option 1 - Do nothing:
This option is not recommended as there is a
statutory duty to provide this service.
 
2.   
Option 2 - Continue to spot
purchase: This is not recommended.
Continuing to spot purchase with no oversight is not cost effective
and risks poor service delivery and lack of quality assurance for
each purchase. It would also be a lost opportunity to improve
outcomes for children and young people and to develop the market
with AP providers.
 
3.   
Option 3 - Single provider through a restrictive
tender: A block contract is a time
limited contract created in advance, which will define the volume
of provision for specific activities to the council for a
pre-determined and set price. This option is unlikely to provide
the diversity of provision and be able to manage demand required.
This option is not recommended.
 
4.   
Option 4 – Multiple providers through a
restrictive tender: This option would
involve awarding a number of separate
contracts relevant to the different provision categories. This
approach, whilst securing knowledge and expertise, could be
difficult to ensure full coverage of provision and manage
effectively in the event of any changes in needs and demand. As
such this option is not recommended.