Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the Paediatric Speech, Language and Communication Therapy (SLCN) Service following the review, consultation and engagement by the Council and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board.

The committee received the report which provided an update following the review, consultation and engagement by the Council and Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) of the paediatric speech, language, and communication therapy (SLCN) services. The report provided oversight of the proposed service model and sought authorisation to follow a competitive tender process and award the successful provider the joint service contract from 1 April 2025.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Children and Families Committee:

1.    Approve the new service model and authorise the procurement for a new service contract for a 5-year term with a 1 + 1 year extension period

2.    Approve the joint commissioning of the SLCN service between the council and ICB, formalised with a Section 256 Agreement

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Service and/or equivalent authorised officer to award the contract for the jointly commissioned Paediatric Speech Language and Communication Therapy Service