Content

14.1

The Head of Service for Resourcing and Business
Planning introduced the report to the Committee which sought
a formal decision to allow, for the lifespan of this current
funding requirement, the passporting of the Element 3 Top-Up to
providers under contract.

14.2

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

Agree
to commission contracts required via individuals Education and
Health Care Plans, as outlined in the report.
Note
that the High Needs Block Element 3 Top Up Contracts would cover
the whole lifespan of the current funding requirement.

14.3

Reasons for Decision

14.3.1

It is
legal requirement to passport High Needs Block Element 3 Top-Up
funding onto a Further Education College or Independent Specialist
Provider which is listed on the learner’s Education Health
& Care Plan and where the learner’s domicile is in within
the city based on individually assessed need. This legal
requirement comes under the Children & Families Act 2014. The
Council will award the funding directly to the suppliers as
families choose the institution leaving, no role for the Council in
the selection process.

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

14.4.1

Alternative Option 1:
 
Award a Grant Agreement to Further Education or
Independent Specialist Provider instead of a Contract For Services
to cover the HNB Element 3 Top-Up: This alternative has been
rejected as the learner’s education provider is named on
their EHCP meaning that it is a legal requirement under the
Children & Families Act 2014 that the Council puts in place a
Contract for Services rather than a Grant Agreement.

14.4.2

Alternative Option 2:
 
Create
a Framework or undertake Tendering: These contracts cannot be
awarded under a framework or through a tender as the supplier has
already been prescribed and listed on the learners ECHP meaning it
cannot go out to competition.