Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Strategic Commissioning Manager introduced the report which asked the Committee to approve the commissioning of new primary alternative provision (AP) places in response to growing need for high-quality support for permanently excluded primary-aged pupil.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a)    Approve the commissioning of proposed primary AP places in response to the demonstrated and growing need. b)    In doing so, note the spend of up of up £1.29m annually for up to 43 places. c)     Note the capital cost of approximately £310,000 to bring new provision onboard.     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 To help us meet our section 19 legal duties and ensure that good education is provided in an appropriate environment.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Not taking any action   This option has been rejected as it would result in an increasing number of children being excluded from school and not receiving a full-time education. This would mean Sheffield City Council failing in its duties according to Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Expanding the number of places at Sheffield Inclusion Centre without taking other or alternative actions   Discussions with our partners have suggested that co-locating provision on mainstream primary school sites provides better opportunities for specialised provision, for reintegration and for educating children in their local areas.   A key objective is to also support Sheffield Inclusion Centre to deliver high quality provision, further expanding the Inclusion Centre and developing additional sites is contrary to this objective. Instead, allowing it to focus solely on secondary provision contributes to this