Purpose

• The CWD Support Services: Targeted Positive Activities (TPA)
was recommissioned following a Regulation 32 Public
Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015 process. Following a
Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Publication, in
accordance with PCR 2015, the contract was awarded to the
successful supplier for Early Support and Learning Provision,
Pre-School Learning Alliance (trading as Early Years Alliance).
• The Contract commenced 1st April 2024 for an initial term of
three years to 31st March 2027, with an option for an
extension or extensions of up to 24 months.
• The Service supports Lincolnshire CWD, aged 5 to 18 to
access Community Groups and Holiday Clubs, and aged 11
to 18 to access Youth Groups. TPA provides a range of
inclusive activities tailored to the needs, interests and
abilities of CWD, promoting participation alongside their
peers while developing confidence, independence and social
skills. The Service also offers parents/carers a suitable short
break from their caring responsibilities.
• Service delivery is delivered from a range of safe, welcoming
and accessible venues, including outdoor spaces where
appropriate, to support a variety of activities for CWD.
Currently, this includes the use of a Lincolnshire Family Hub
and four specialist schools.
• The Service is performing well in terms of performance
against its key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Feedback from CWD indicates that the service is valued and
meets an identified need and supports parent/carer to have
a break from their caring responsibilities.
• CWD Team has stated that this provision reduces the need
for more costly alternative support arrangements for
children.
• The up to 24-month extension to the Contract is allowed for
within the contractual terms and conditions.
• The contractual terms and conditions within the Contract
includes a Break clause which permits the Council to
terminate the Contract at any time by giving six months’
written notice. In such circumstances, the Contract limits
the Supplier’s entitlement on termination under the Break
clause to evidenced, unavoidable direct losses that cannot
be mitigated or recovered through insurance, and excludes
claims for loss of profit and staff-related costs.

Decision

The Executive Director of Children’s Services in consultation
with the Executive Councillor for Children’s Services approves
an extension to the CWD Support Services: Targeted Positive
Activities (TPA) Contract with the Pre-School Learning Alliance
(trading as Early Years Alliance).
The current Contract ends on 31st March 2027 and shall be
extended for up to 24 months from 1st April 2027 to 31st
March 2029. The initial extension period shall be for 12
months (1st April 2027 to 31st March 2028) with the decision
to extend for the remaining 12 months delegated to the
Assistant Director Children’s Education.
The value of the extension for the initial 12-month period
shall be £327,500 (excluding VAT) plus an inflationary uplift
governed by National Living Wage and the Consumer Price
Index (to be agreed in October 2026). The value of the
extension for the second 12-month period shall be that
agreed for the first 12 months, plus an inflationary uplift
governed by National Living Wage and the Consumer Price
Index (to be agreed in October 2027)

Alternative options considered

do nothing (extension): this was not a viable option. The
Contract with the Pre-School Learning Alliance (trading as Early
Years Alliance) expires on 31st March 2027. To do nothing/de-commission would mean that this service would no longer be
available from 1st April 2027. CWD Support Services support the
Council in fulfilling its statutory duties under the Breaks for
Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011 by providing
access to short break services for eligible disabled children and
their families. An extension to the current contract is allowed
for within the contractual terms and conditions.
Recommission through a competitive procurement process:
the extension to the Contract is allowed for within the terms
and conditions. As such there would be no benefit in
undertaking a competitive procurement process, as it would
require officer time to complete. To ensure best value for
money for Lincolnshire children and their families, time would
be better served on focusing on the continuation of the CWD
Support Services: Targeted Positives Activities Contract to
ensure no disruption for services users.