URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7892

Decision Maker: Interim Executive Director Children's Servics (Hilary Brooks)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3 for the award of a contract to Progress Schools Liverpool for a block contract for 17 places in total for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) through a Regional SEND AP Flexible Purchasing System from 1st January 2026 to 31st July 2028, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of twenty four months in aggregate, to end of term in July 2030.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3  and the winning  bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3 for the award of a contract to Progress Schools Liverpool for a block contract for 17 places in total for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) through a Regional SEND AP Flexible Purchasing System from 1st January 2026 to 31st July 2028, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of twenty four months in aggregate, to end of term in July 2030.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3  and the winning  bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council. (i)       That, in accordance with CPR 5.3, a block contract be awarded for 17 places in total for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) through a Regional SEND AP Flexible Purchasing System to Progress Schools Liverpool for two years and seven months from 1st January 2026 to 31st July 2028, including options to extend the contract for further periods of time up to a maximum of 24 months in aggregate to 31st July 2030   (ii)       That it is noted that eight pupils are already placed at the school, and therefore the block contract represents a restructuring of existing expenditure at a reduced rate, with guaranteed access to additional places;   (iii)      That during the contract’s term, there will be formal review points throughout the year with break clauses in place to protect the Council’s interest if standards are not maintained; and   (iv)      That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the standstill period / call-in period. Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected as it would not secure reserved SEMH places for Knowsley pupils and would result in higher costs over time through continued reliance on spot-purchased independent placements. The block contract provides better value for money by avoiding these additional costs and giving the Council greater certainty in managing demand.   Deliver in house: This option was considered and rejected because there are not enough maintained places within schools in the Borough to match demand and the Council has no option but to seek alternative schools from the Non-Maintained and Independent Special Schools sector.   Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender): There are no other alternative provisions who have approached the Local Authority to consider a similar process of a block contract for places that are within the close proximity to Knowsley.

Date of Decision: December 14, 2025