Issue - meetings

This report concerns the procurement of a contract in respect of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools and out-of-borough schools who have speech and language therapy needs identified in section F of their Brent Education Health Care Plan, to Central London Community Healthcare Trust (CLCH) NHS pursuant to the Provider Selection Regime. The report requests authority to award the contract as required by Contract Standing Order 88 and summarises the process undertaken in tendering this contract.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the direct award of a contract for the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools, Additionally Resourced Provision and out-of-borough schools (the “Contract”) following the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) process C for an initial period of three (3) years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 with an option to extend by a further one (1) year in the sum of £6,569,499  exclusive of VAT to Central London Community Healthcare Trust NHS (CLCH).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 February 2025

Councillor Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) presented a report from the Corporate Director Children & Young People regarding the procurement of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools and out of borough school placements who had speech and language therapy needs identified within their Education Health Care Plan (ECHP).

In introducing the report, members noted the increasing importance of speech and language therapy provision as part of the support available for children and young people with SEND. Against the background of an increase in the number of children and young people with SEND in the borough, members were advised that the proposed contract award had been designed to include a comprehensive package of support that would not only contribute to improved outcomes, educational attainment and emotional health and wellbeing for children and young people but would also continue to nurture and empower a skilled workforce.  As such, the proposals were seen to not only contribute towards providing children with the best start in life but also the priorities identified in Brent’s SEND strategy in a way that supported the best interests of children and young people.

In recognising the positive nature of the whole system approach outlined in seeking to ensure that children, young people and their families had access to a seamless service and thanking officers for the work undertaken in developing the proposals Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the direct award of a contract for the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children and young people in Brent schools, Additionally Resourced Provision and out-of-borough schools (the “Contract”) following the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) process C for an initial period of three (3) years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 with an option to extend by a further one (1) year in the sum of £6,569,499  exclusive of VAT to Central London Community Healthcare Trust NHS (CLCH).