Forward plan

Authority to award contract for Provision of Early Years (Urgent Officer Key Decision)

Decision maker:  Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Community Development

Decision:   16 Jul 2026

Lead officer:  Serita Kwofie

Decision status:  Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/07/2026

Reason for urgency:
The need for the decision arose within a limited timeframe due to the requirement to have funding arrangements in place before the end of the academic term. Updated legal advice relating to the awarding of contracts for early years provision meant it was not reasonably practicable to allow the requisite notice period to be given. Deferring the decision would delay implementation of the funding arrangements and could disrupt the timely allocation of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding to early years providers. It is therefore necessary to take the decision urgently to ensure that agreements are in place before the academic term ends, avoiding interruption to the delivery of early years provision. Approval to disapply call-in has been granted to allow immediate implementation of the decision, as any delay would significantly reduce the opportunity for providers to review, sign and return agreements before the commencement of the funding period.

Anticipated restriction: Part exempt  - view reasons