Decision details

The White Rose Framework Agreement for Independent Education or Education and Care Placements for Children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provides suitable placement options to enable the participating Local Authorities to meet their statutory duties.

Leeds is the leading authority for this framework which currently consists of 12 Local Authorities all of which currently commission some SEND provision from external providers.

A review has been undertaken to identify the current and future commissioning priorities of member authorities and other stakeholders.  A revised timeline has been put in place which sees a tender published in January 2021.

This decision will seek approval to undertake a competitive procurement exercise to enable a new contract to be in place for 1^st July 2021 ensuring continuity of provision for placing local authorities whilst the new arrangements will better reflect the current requirements and priorities of authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The Director of Children and Families approved the decision to enter into an Electronic Market Place (EMP) agreement for the provision of Education only and Education and Residential Care placements with Independent Schools and Colleges.  The commencement date of the EMP is 1^st July 2021 and it will run for 4 years with options to extend for a further 24 months.  This is done on behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber White Rose commissioning partnership.

• Yorkshire and Humber Children’s Services Commissioning Board
• Head of Commissioning and Market Management, Children and Families

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