Agenda item

This report details the initial outcome of ongoing consultation with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres to be implemented from September 2015. This report recommends a preferred option following consideration of the consultation and requests approval to invite tenders in respect of the management and operation of Children’s Centres as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

(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.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) introduced the report which detailed the initial outcome of ongoing consultation with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres to be implemented from September 2015. The report recommended a preferred option following consideration of the consultation and requested approval to invite tenders in respect of the management and operation of children’s centres as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

Councillor Moher referred to the strong support for the centres evidenced from the consultation and concerns at proposals for change. It was noted that the staff and unions were not in favour of outsourcing. She stated that the intention was to identify a partner that would have the needs of families and children as its focus and would work closely with the voluntary sector.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Butt, was pleased to report that the children’s centres had been able to remain open and costs reduced which was testament to the service and department.  He hoped the new management arrangements would help continue the success.

Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Employment and Skills) commended staff at the centres for their work and time. She advised that adult training services had committed to support Sure Start and questioned how the recommendations from Scrutiny Task Group on the Use of the Pupil Premium Grant in Brent schools would be incorporated. Councillor Moher advised that she had met with the Operational Director Social Care and task group members to consider the issues including ensuring protection of the quality of service.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Well-being) stressed the importance of increasing public health activity in children’s centres to help increase immunisation and improve long term health impacts. Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) paid tribute to the work of children’s centres and welcomed the tender evaluation criteria in the report.

RESOLVED:

(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 from the Strategic Director, Children and Families 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 would be expected to demonstrate that they would work with local voluntary organisations as service providers in children’s centres and that would 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.