Purpose

The County Council has a
statutory obligation to provide suitable education for all learners
including those who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise
receive suitable education; this is termed Alternative
Provision.
 
The requirement for Independent
Alternative Provision (IAP) remains predominately for children with
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with or without
an Education Health and Care Plan.
 
This provision is commissioned
using the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for IAP which enables the
efficient sourcing of IAP services from a range of qualified
providers. The DPS was established in 2021 (decision
OKD16 (21/22) refers) for a maximum 
period of four years and six months.
 
The DPS is ensuring a
consistent yet flexible approach to purchasing the variety of
Independent Alternative Provision education services required for
children and young people and has continued to attract suitable
suppliers. Currently 94% of all placements (by value) are with
suppliers on the DPS; West Sussex schools are also able to access
services through the DPS.
 
The initial term of the DPS
expired on 28th February 2024 and the original contract allows for
up to 2 years’ extension. 
Approval is now sought to extend the DPS for the remainder of the
maximum allowable term.

Decision

The Interim Assistant Director (Education and
Skills) has retrospectively approved the extension of the
Independent Alternative Provision Dynamic Purchasing System for 2
years from 29th February 2024 to 28th February 2026.