Decision details

Extension of the Alternative Provider Framework

Decision Maker: Co-operative Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

Lifelong learning is seeking permission to put in place a new provider framework for the delivery of alternative provision for the coming academic year September 2021 – July 2022.

 

Having an AP framework will mitigate any risk to secondary school pupils associated with attending non-regulated provision and help with behaviour intervention.

 

 

Decision:

10.1

·       Lifelong Learning is seeking permission put in place a new provider framework for the delivery of alternative provision for the coming academic year, September 2021 – July 2022.

The framework will allow Sheffield City Council to procure delivery of alternative provision programmes appropriate for school-aged pupils from organisations with an assessed capability and capacity to provide.

·       Having an AP framework will mitigate any risk to secondary school pupils associated with attending non-regulated provision and help with behaviour intervention.

     AP providers on the framework will have undertaken due diligence and 

necessary checks comply with procurement rules and be subject to on-going quality assurance and contract management.

·       Providers on the framework will be able to bid to provide provision designed for secondary school aged pupils who would benefit from off-site education to re-engage students with the mainstream, school-based curriculum.

The creation of a new, 1 year, AP framework agreement will allow the council to undertake review of the delivery of the programme which has been postponed due to the impact the impact of COVID-19.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED: That Cooperative Executive:-

 

  1. Agree the proposal to establish a new AP framework from September 21 to July 22 in accordance with Regulations 74 – 76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015; and

 

  1. Approve the Council entering into the AP framework agreement with alternative provision providers to enable it to fulfil its legal duties under s19 Education Act 1996.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

  • A framework will ensure the consistency of quality of Alternative Programme provision for schools, regulates costs and provide a uniform, coherent approach for the city
  • It provides an opportunity to develop and provide appropriate AP programmes to all secondary school pupils who would benefit from it.
  • It provides an opportunity to develop intervention programmes where Alternative Programme providers can support vulnerable pupils’ reintegration into a mainstream school-based curriculum and result in better learning outcomes.

 

 

10.3.2

An Alternative Provision framework can provide vital data for the city as a whole and individual schools relating to cohort characteristics and needs; the take up of provision; progress tracking of individuals and groups; and achievement of learning outcomes thereby contributing to planning and continuous improvement.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

There is a risk associated with not regulating the use of Alternative Provision in the secondary sector, specifically secondary schools will continue to use providers which have not been subject to prior due diligence and on-going contract management.  Pupils will not receive a planned programme with clear learning outcomes.

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

 

Executive Director, People Services

 

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

Children, Young People and Family Support Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee

 

Report author: Kevin Straughan

Publication date: 15/06/2021

Date of decision: 09/06/2021

Decided at meeting: 09/06/2021 - Co-operative Executive

Accompanying Documents: