Decision details

To authorise the invite of tenders to set up a DPS for Special Educational Needs and Additional Resourced Provision in Independent Schools to be utilised by all West London Alliance (WLA) boroughs as and when required.  To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Children and Young People to:

• admit new provider onto the DPS as and when required

• negotiate and agree placement fees for the academic year 16/17 with Centre Academy.

RESOLVED:

-           approved the setting up of a Dynamic Purchasing System (“DPS”) for placements of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs who have been assessed for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan and require a placement in INMSS based on the tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

-           approved the Council to act as Lead authority and to jointly procure the DPS for and on behalf of the participating West London Alliance (WLA) authorities.

-           delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Children and Young People to admit any new service provider(s) onto the DPS subsequent to them meeting their admittance criteria as stated by the Council in the DPS documentation.

-           delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Children and Young People to award High Value Contracts for educational placements procured through the DPS.

-           agreed an exemption from the procurement requirements of the Council’s Contract Standing Order 96 to enable the Strategic Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and the Chief Legal Officer, to continue the block contract with Centre Academy for the provision of 15 special education placements for the academic year 2016/17. This will allow officers time to put in place the DPS to which Centre Academy will be invited to submit a tender for inclusion onto the DPS.

-           noted that all placements of children with SEND are fully funded by the High Needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

-           noted the placement and funding arrangements for the provision of Additionally Resourced Provision places in maintained schools and Academies.