Content

13.1

The Director of commissioning
introduced the report which outlined a proposal for the
Sheffield City Council allocation of funding to commission
Sheffield Parent Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 –
2031.
 
The Senior Joint Transformation
Manager also gave a presentation to the cttee which included
information on why a parent and carer form is needed, connection,
social media presence, empowering parents and carers, contribution
towards city goals, proposed commission, financials and options
considered.

 

 

13.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education,
Children and Families Committee Policy
Committee:
 

a)   
agrees the SCC allocation of funding to commission Sheffield Parent
Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 –
2031.
 
An additional limb to be added to the
recommendation was proposed by Cllr Dale, seconded by Cllr
Mallinson and agreed by the cttee
that;
 

b) any
significant changes to the delivery of the service and any updates
on the delivery of the Parent Carer Forum should be reported
back to members as an
update/note.

 

 

13.3

Reasons
for Decision

 

 

13.3.1

Committee is asked
to agree the SCC allocation of funding to commission Sheffield
Parent Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 –
2031.

 

 

13.3.2

This commission
will enable ongoing meaningful co-production and involvement of
parents and carers in our city in the development of SEND
services.

 

 

13.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

13.4.1

Decommission
SCC could make a
decision to not have a parent carer forum and therefore allow the
existing contract to lapse.
Benefits: Cost
saving.
Risks: the LA is
currently working within a SEND Priority Improvement Plan following
an unsatisfactory SEND inspection. This option would risk
improvements not being developed with families and would see the LA
fail in its responsibility to have a PCF. This option would pose
significant risk.
 
We do not recommend
this option.

 

 

13.4.2

Commission at a
lower value
Benefits: some cost
saving.
Risks: the SPCF is
a voluntary sector provider and provides good value for money in
its ability to provide a proactive and creative service within a
reasonable budget. As a voluntary sector organisation, they are
also able, with our investment, to fundraise for small grants that
bring more money and capacity into the local
area.
 
At a lower value,
we would see the functions and abilities of the PCF shrink and
therefore providing a lower impact in terms of reach to families,
representation, volunteer involvement and peer
support.
 
We do not recommend
this option.