Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Proposed Executive Decision:

1) Summary:

The following decision is proposed:

1.1. That the Executive Member approves that single preferred contracts be negotiated with those special schools which wish to provide extended services to disabled children and young people, where applications from those schools meet the criteria set out in this report.

2) Reasons for the decision:

2.1. A key element of the commissioning strategy, to improve services for disabled children, is focused upon developing a network of after school, week end and holiday short break services for 2400 young people who attend 26 special schools

2.2. Some schools directly provide existing services and in some cases operational issues could affect access to premises by external providers. Consequentially It is necessary to consider if, in some schools, single preferred contracts should be negotiated in circumstances where school wish to directly mange extended services.

2.3. Subject to assessment of school proposals in conjunction with the Head of Corporate and Legal Services against the criteria set out in this report it is envisaged in the order of 6 schools may wish to proceed in this way.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

Option 1: Seek open tenders for all services

3.1. This option is feasible but could destabilise some existing service delivery arrangements that are well supported by parents and meet the complex needs of young people, where continuity of service is important.

3.2. This option would ensure all service providers have an opportunity to be considered for services but may lead to a situation where schools could not make the premises available to external contractors due to operational considerations. Which in turn could affect the County Council's ability to delivery a full service offer to vulnerable children.

3.3. If a school felt they could not make existing premises available for the delivery of this service it could be possible to rent local provision and additional costs would be incurred, which could affect the level of service affordable within available resources.

Option 2: Negotiate single tender contracts in specific circumstances

3.4 This option allows for a small number of schools to apply to directly provide services, such applications to be considered against the criteria set out in this report. Where, in the opinion of the Director for Children and Families and the Head of Corporate and Legal Services, the application meets the criteria the school should be treated as a preferred contractor and a contract negotiated with that school. In this way it will be possible to ensure existing provision managed by some schools is included in the overall approach, that value for money is considered and that any existing relationship between parents and the school is respected.

3.5 Taking this option would restrict the overall service opportunities available to independent service providers. It is anticipated in the order of 6 of 26 schools may wish to put forward proposals to directly manage some services.

3.6 Within this option it would be possible to ensure the same service specification and standards of service were in place in all settings and that the criteria for evaluating if a single tender award could be negotiated included value for money considerations.

Option 3: Deliver all service directly through schools

3.7 This option would not be supported by all schools as many have indicated they do not wish to directly manage services and some have existing contracts and relationships with independent providers. The option would be in conflict with the compact with independent sector providers and would not be considered best practice is tendering for services.

3 Conflicts of Interest:

3.4 Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

None

3.5 Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

None

4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

5 Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

None

6 Statement from the Decision Maker:

.