Agenda item

  To receive a report from the Corporate Director, People.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social care, SEND and Inclusion presented a report which outlined proposals to commission and external education provider, to provide high quality Ofsted registered Alternative Provision education for up to 50 Wiltshire young people with or without an Education Health Care Plan who are unable to attend mainstream or specialist schools for some or all of their education. 

Cllr Davies explained that Wiltshire Council has a need for providing education for learners who require Alternative Provision and there is a significant shortage in Ofsted registered provision at a time where there is an increase in demand for places. A lack of Alternative Provision means that a higher number of pupils are suspended from school when Alternative Provision could be arranged for the learner at an earlier stage and prevent further escalation.

Cabinet were informed that for some children and young people with SEND the lack of Alternative Provision can lead to placements in high-cost independent special schools to meet their needs. To facilitate the provision of Alternative Provision it was noted that the Council’s Asset Gateway and Capital Programme Board had approved the purchase of Calder House in October 2023 to be leased to a commissioned external provider to deliver Alternative Provision.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed the proposals and commented on the potential need for future additional places. Cllr Davies confirmed that the Council is now able to predict future need more accurately and make suitable arrangements if necessary.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, commented on the tender process. The Leader highlighted that there had been interest from a wide pool of specialist education providers and project officers were confident for the successful delivery of Alternative Provision.    

Resolved:

1.    To authorise the award of a 5 plus 5-year contract to an external education provider, to provide high quality OFSTED registered AP education for up to 50 Wiltshire young people aged 11-16 with or without an EHCP who are unable to attend mainstream or specialist schools for some or all their education. This will include an annual review of the contract.

2.    To approve that officers continue to undertake to prepare and complete the tender programme, award, and implement a new contract for the provision of OFSTED registered education by 31 July 2024, with a clear mobilisation period to support opening in Autumn 2024.

3.    To delegate authority to approve and award a new contract and future extensions and all associated documents to the Corporate Director People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Inclusion.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure children and young people who are unable to attend mainstream or specialist schools are provided with full-time equivalent education in an OFSTED registered Alternative Provision, tailored to their individual needs.

To ensure cost effective placements for children and young people within buildings owned by Wiltshire Council by leasing them to a provider at a peppercorn rent through a new contract.