Decision details
Authority to Extend a Partnership Agreement Pursuant to Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 for Provision of Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools (Officer Recordable Decision)
Decision Maker: Director - Early Help & Social Care
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
i) To request approval for an extension to the current Section 75 Partnership Agreement for the provision of Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools with NHS Brent Clinical Commissioning Group for a period of 24 months from 1st September 2020 to 31st August 2022, on the basis set out in the Section 75 Partnership Agreement.
ii) To request approval for a variation to the Section 75 Partnership Agreement referred to in (i) above to commission 3.3 FTE qualified Occupational Therapists including a proportion of a clinical lead and 0.4 of an OT assistant with effect from 1st September 2020 until 31st August 2022.
Decision:
That the Operational Director of Integration & Improved Outcomes:
(i) Approves an extension to the current Section 75 Partnership Agreement for the provision of Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools with NHS Brent Clinical Commissioning Group for a period of 24 months from 1st September 2020 to 31st August 2022, on the basis set out in the Section 75 Partnership Agreement.
(ii) Approves a variation to the Section 75 Partnership Agreement referred to in (i) above to commission 3.3 FTE qualified Occupational Therapists including a proportion of a clinical lead and 0.4 of an OT assistant with effect from 1st September 2020 until 31st August 2022.
Reasons for the decision:
The Council currently has an agreement entered into pursuant to section 75 of National Health Services Act 2006 for provision of Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools with NHS Brent Clinical Commissioning Group (Brent CCG) which ends on 31st August 2020. There are provisions within the Agreement to extend further. Pending possible agreement with Brent CCG regarding joint commissioning arrangements for Paediatric therapy services including Occupational Therapy, it is considered appropriate to extend the existing section 75 Agreement with Brent CCG.
Ø This s75 arrangement will allow Brent CCG’s provider to recruit staff on fixed term contracts and this way align the local authority and Brent CCG contract cycle to offer a seamless service.
Ø The extension will ensure that the statutory duty of the local authority is met for the identified needs specified in Section F of their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
Ø The extension would provide continuity of Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools
Alternative options considered:
The option of joint commissioning with the CCG through a new tender has been considered, but the CCG is not in a position to pursue this currently.
Officers have considered whether it is appropriate to procure Occupational Therapy for Pupils in Mainstream Brent Schools independently of Brent CCG but have concluded that it is preferable for there to be strategic alignment of services for children and young people with SEND through joint commissioning arrangements with Brent CCG.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None.
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: Officer scheme of delegation
Parties Consulted: Lead Member for Children's Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care has been informed of the approach.
Contact: Shirley Parks, Director - Safeguarding, Partnerships and Strategy Email: Shirley.Parks@brent.gov.uk Tel: 020 8937 4529.
Publication date: 24/08/2020
Date of decision: 21/08/2020
Accompanying Documents:
- Restricted enclosure