Issue - meetings

    Report by Corporate Director Terence Herbert

Cllr Laura Mayes presented a report which sought approval to join a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) being led by Bristol City Council and enter into resulting agreements. This will support the commissioning of placements for children up the age of 16 with SEND, where needs cannot be met within local special schools.

Cllr Mayes explained that where a child or young person has special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) and their needs cannot be met within a mainstream or maintained special school, a placement in an independent or non-maintained provision may be required. For these independently provided placements, Wiltshire Council has been a partner in the West Sussex led Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) which expired on 28 February 2019.

Wiltshire Council has engaged with a number of other Local Authorities to consider future shared procurement options in this area. Working in collaboration with other Local Authorities is considered beneficial for both the Market and Local Authority. The report identifies and proposes an appropriate partnership arrangement and DPS for Wiltshire council for the next five years for independent specialist schools.

In response to a question from Cllr Clewer about the monitoring of costs and attaining best value for money, Cllr Mayes confirmed that costs would be monitored, along with ensuring that the best outcomes are being achieved for each individual child and that the provider is delivering the expected level of service.

Resolved:

1.    To join the Dynamic Purchasing System arrangement (DPS), with Bristol City Council as the procurement lead on behalf of Wiltshire Council, to support the commissioning of placements from independent and non-maintained specialist provision for children with SEND aged up the age of 16 years.

2.    To delegate authority for award of contract resulting from this tendering process to Terence Herbert, Corporate Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills

Reason for Decision:

Working collaboratively with a range of local authorities which will assist with information sharing and enhanced provider engagement. This opportunity will also increase Wiltshire’s leverage and assist in improved cost management.