Decision details

To seek the approval of Cabinet to:- extend the existing arrangements with the current provider until the end of July 2014; conduct a procurement process to establish a Framework Contract for the provision of Outreach Support Services for children and young people with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder. The Contract (s) will take effect as from July 2014; and delegate to the Head of Learning Support the decision on which providers will be awarded the contract (s) subject to the agreed procurement process.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Young People and Families which provided details of the current position regarding the provision of support for children and young people with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder; sought approval to extend the existing arrangements with the current provider until the end of July 2014; and sought approval to conduct a procurement process to establish a Framework Contract for the provision of Outreach Support Services for children and young people with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder. The Contract(s) would take effect as from July 2014.

Decision Made:

That:

(1)       the developments regarding the support for children and young people with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder be noted;

(2)       approval be given to a notice been issued to the current provider to terminate the existing agreement with effect from July 2014.and to the extension of the current arrangements from 1April 2014 to July 2014 while the tender process is conducted to select the appropriate provider;

(3)       the evaluation criteria for tenders to provide the outreach support service for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder from 1September 2014 be approved;

(4)       the Director of Young People and Familiesbe authorised to accept the highest scoring tenders based on the evaluation criteria agreed; and

(5)       the contract be for 1 year with the option to extend for 1 year subject to a satisfactory review.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder are provided with high quality outreach support, matched to their individual special educational needs, in line with the principles of best value.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.