The Hackney Procurement Board awarded a contract for children's speech and language therapy services, confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting, and noted that an item regarding a framework for accommodation for those with no recourse to public funds was withdrawn.

Children's Integrated Speech and Language Therapy Service

The Board resolved to award a contract for the delivery of the Children's Integrated Speech and Language Therapy Service to Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This contract, valued at £2,202,101, will initially run for six months from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, with the option for two further six-month extensions. The decision was made under Direct Award Process C of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), which allows for the direct award to an incumbent provider when certain conditions are met, including the existing contract nearing expiry and the incumbent provider satisfying the current contract.

The report accompanying this decision highlighted that the service is essential for identifying and supporting children's speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), as well as eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties. It also supports Hackney's legal obligations under the Children and Families Act 2014, particularly concerning children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

The contract value is fully budgeted within the Children and Education directorate and will be met from the High Needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). While the current contract has faced some challenges with timely data reporting, the provider has generally met or exceeded Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The report noted that a competitive process will be used to recommission the service from April 2027, with a new specification aligning with early intervention and prevention principles outlined in recent SEND reforms.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous Hackney Procurement Board meeting, held on 22 July 2026, were agreed as an accurate record of that meeting's proceedings.

No Recourse to Public Funds - Framework for Accommodation

An item regarding a framework for accommodation for those with no recourse to public funds was withdrawn from the meeting agenda.