Decision details

Routine decision to award a contract to suppliers for the Provision of Educational Placements & Other Support Services For Special Educational Needs And Disabilities (“SEND ”) – For the North-west Region on behalf of 24 Local Authorities

The following providers will join the Flexible Purchasing System for the provision of SEND (under Round 8). Placements NW have completed evaluation and drafted award letters/debriefs.

Provider Name LOT
Associated Wellbeing 1,4
Bay View Childcare 1,4
Blazing Stars Education 1,4
Impact North West Schools 1
Petty Pool Trust 4
Quality Protects Children 2,4
Timeout Children’s Homes Ltd 1

LOT DESCRIPTION
1 - 0-16 Day education placement
2 - 0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement
4 - 16+ Day Education Placements

The total overall value of the flexible purchasing system was referenced in the original cabinet report of Sep 2019 where the recommendations were as below:

2. Recommendations
That Cabinet
2.1 Approves the development of a North West SEND Flexible Purchasing System by Cheshire East Council on behalf of North West local authorities for SEND Provision for children and young people.
2.2 Delegates authority to award contracts to providers to enter the purchasing system to the Executive Director People

This is the 8th round where bidders will join the FPS, it was opened at the request of another LA and the evaluation and drafting of the award/regret notifications has been completed by Placements Northwest. Evaluation records and award letters have been shared with CEC Procurement for approval and will be issued following ODR approval.

The total contract value for the framework across all LA's is estimated to be between £286 to 300 million per annum. (Cheshire East element - £5.4 million annually)