The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 18th June 2024 was scheduled to discuss the commissioning of School Improvement and Governor Services. This included a review of the current contract with Haringey Education Partnership (HEP) and proposals for a new tendering process.

Haringey School Improvement and Governor Services

The meeting was scheduled to consider the future commissioning of School Improvement and Governor Services, functions currently delivered by the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP). The report pack indicated that the existing contract with HEP is due to expire on 31st March 2025. A key item for discussion was the recommendation to proceed with an open tender process in July 2024 for a new contract, valued at up to £3,686,107 over an eight-year period.

The report highlighted that HEP, a non-profit school improvement company established in 2002, no longer meets the criteria for a direct award under Regulation 12 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015¹. This is because HEP's business has expanded to include schools outside of Haringey, meaning that income from non-Haringey sources and membership from non-Haringey schools now exceed the 20% threshold. Consequently, a competitive tender process is required to ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

The proposed new contract would cover the council's statutory functions, such as Key Stage 1 and 2 moderation, delivery of Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) duties, Local Authority governor appointments, and support for schools causing concern. It would also encompass strategic functions, including professional liaison between the council and schools, attendance at Ofsted inspections, data analysis, and support for governing bodies.

The report also detailed the budget for the new contract, which is to be funded by the Central School Services Block (CSSB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). It noted a forecast annual reduction of 2.5% in CSSB allocations, which has been factored into the proposed budget. The report outlined a tender timetable, with the aim of awarding the new contract in December 2024, commencing in April 2025.

Alternative options considered included a direct award to HEP, which was deemed non-compliant with procurement regulations, and insourcing the service, which was assessed as being more costly than the current outsourced model. The recommended option was to proceed with an open competitive tender.

The report also addressed the council's role as the supervising authority for HEP under the School Companies Act 2002, a responsibility that would continue regardless of the outcome of the tender. This role involves directing the company to provide information and take specified steps to comply with regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the new service were also detailed, focusing on school Ofsted ratings, pupil progress and attainment, closing attainment gaps, SEND pupil achievement, attendance, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. The report also touched upon the contribution to the Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024, specifically relating to children and young people, and the council's commitment to reducing energy consumption and delivering sustainable environmental targets within the new contract.