URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5034

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The committee considered a report which provided an update on Alternative Education Provision services in Sheffield and the council’s strategic direction for developing commissioned services that delivers support to children permanently excluded from school.   The report sought approval to vary the commissioning decision dated 31 January 2023 for Alternative Education Provision to allow an additional commission of two years and three months from July 2026 at an estimated additional cost of up to £7million which would allow procurement of those services for a further two years commencing September 2026.   The Strategic Lead for Alternative Provision also gave a presentation which included a city overview, current position for the AEP through the framework, purpose of the Policy Committee decision, rising demand, current challenges and AEP data.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a)    Notes the strategy for Alternative Education Provision described in this report. b)    Notes the scope of Sheffield City Council’s Alternative provision and the allocation approved by the Director of Children’s Services to manage this service. c)    Approve the variation of the commissioning decision dated 31 January 2023 for Alternative Education Provision to allow an additional commission of two years and three months from July 2026 at an estimated cost of up to £7 million. This will allow procurement of these services for a further two years commencing September 2026. d)    Notes that the £7 million spend includes the delivery of Alternative Education Provision for pupils in the city where the local authority statutory duty arises.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 It was recommended that the Local Authority support the further development of a citywide Alternative Education Provision model, as this would create a clear strategy delivering consistent, high-quality provision over which the Local Authority would have oversight. The approach would enable the Local Authority to develop the quality of provision and ensure that it was integrated with wider practice to support inclusion and SEND across the city. It would ensure that the Local Authority was able to meet its statutory duties to arrange alternative education provision in school or elsewhere under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. It was further recommended that the framework be procured as part of the Authority's work to ensure that sufficient suitable provision was developed within the city.       9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative Option 1     It was noted that, if no action was taken and the current framework was not extended, all existing contracts with providers would cease on 31 July 2026. This would result in a lack of alternative provision from September 2026. Consequently, the network of providers would cease to function, affecting approximately 350 to 450 students across the city who would be unable to access provision.   Members heard that this situation would have implications for schools and internal partners, including Inclusion and SEND services. The consequences for schools could include an increase in exclusions and additional pressure on the Local Authority to deliver full-time educational packages, particularly given the current capacity limitations at the Sheffield Inclusion Centre.   It was further noted that, that scenario would adversely affect families and communities and could contribute to a decline in school attendance. In addition, it would negatively impact both the provision available and the relationships maintained with providers, increasing the likelihood of losing high-quality provision.     9.4.2 Alternative Option 2   Consideration has been given to removing the AP framework, allowing schools to individually develop any offer they wish to utilise directly with providers. This has been rejected as it creates greater risk of poor practice. This could also lead to the Local Authority being in breach of its statutory duty to ensure sufficient education places for children and young people.        

Date of Decision: June 26, 2026