Agenda item

Item No

5.

Renewal of contract with nexus multi-academy trust to deliver the medical needs education service

5.1

The report set out a proposal to commission the Medical Needs Education Service by way of a service contract with a 2-year term and a value of £2,608,860.

5.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Urgency Sub-Committee:-

(i)                  approves the commissioning of a service contract with a term of 2 years and a value of £2,608,860, for the provision of the Medical Needs Education Service.

(ii)                 notes the intention of the Council to issue a direct award of a service contract to Nexus Multi-Academy Trust subject to Officer approval by way of a separate decision report.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

5.3.1

The Council has a duty under S19 Education Act 1996 to make arrangements for the provision of suitable education for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them. Renewal of this contract will allow the Council to meet these statutory duties.

5.3.2

The proposed contract is not advised to be subject to the competition requirements under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The funding for the service will derive from the High Needs element of the Dedicated Schools Grant. As such the proposed contract is in accordance with Department for Education guidance on contracts which are not “public contracts” for the purposes of the PCR 2015.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

5.4.1

The option to not renew this contract was rejected because it would leave the Local Authority unable to meet statutory duties relating to pupils with medical needs that make them unable to attend school.