Purpose

The purpose of the report is to seek approval in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.4.2 [1], to modify the G Cloud 14 Call off Contract with Electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP) as provided for within the existing contract at clause 1.3 in precise and clear detail with regards to scope, nature and conditions under which the modification may be used to extend it by one year from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027.

Decision

The Director (Education and Inclusion) hereby agrees that:

(i)      in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.4.2 [1], the G Cloud 14 Call off Contract with Welfare Call for Electronic Personal Education Plans (ePEPs) be modified by extending the term as provided for within the existing contract at clause 1.3 from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027; and

(ii)     the Procurement Team be authorised to issue the relevant contract modification documentation.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected due to the importance of having an effective Electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP) system that caters for all our cared for children CFC both in and out of borough. Without an Electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP) solution being in place the Virtual School would be unable to effectively monitor and review the engagement, attendance, attainment, progress and aspirations for Knowsley Cared for Children and meet their statutory requirements.

Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender):

This option was considered and rejected as the contract is working well and there is provision within it to extend for a further year.

In-house – This option was considered, however the time and resources involved in developing a new system that has the capacity to initiate and manage data sharing agreements with all out of borough schools that our cared for children attend, manage communication with each individual school designated teacher and linked social worker to each child in order to set up, monitor and review personal education plan meetings was deemed not a viable option. This option will be considered again when the current contract arrangements end and will form part of our contract succession planning.