Decision details

To consider the feedback from the consultation and determine proposals for the future of the children's centres.

(i)         that the initial outcome of the consultation on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres as detailed in paragraphs 3.1- 3.2 of the report and Appendices 3 and 4 be noted;

(ii)        that the invitation of tenders for the management and operation of Children’s Centres on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.0 of the report be approved;

(iii)       that officers be authorised to evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.2 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.7 (vi) of the report;

(iv)       that an exemption from Contract Standing Order 104 (b) be granted to permit evaluation of bids on the basis of quality criteria alone within a price envelope;

(v)        that approval be given to the inclusion in the invitation to tender documents of a draft form of lease(s) and/or licence, to be on terms agreed by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement to be granted to the preferred partner of the Children Centres;

(vi)       that it be noted that organisations tendering will be expected to demonstrate that they will work with local voluntary organisations as service providers in children’s centres and that will be assessed as part of the tender evaluation;

(vii)      that the Strategic Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Lead Member, be authorised to approve the final service specification.