Decision details

Having reviewed the summary background documentation provided in the Appendices to the report and the activity undertaken during the Representation Period, the representations received and considered officer responses to these, the final “core offer” as set out in Appendix 2 of the report be endorsed and the commencement of commissioning and decommissioning arrangements set out at Section 5 of the report, onwards, Appendices 4, 5 & 6 to secure improved outcomes and the required financial savings in 2012/13 and 2013/14 be authorised.

The Executive has also provided a response to the recommendations of the Children, Young People and Schools Scrutiny Commission which considered the report at a Special Meeting on 10 July 2012, The Scrutiny Recommendations and response are attached separately at appendix 12 and 13 respectively.

The recommendations establish a new evidenced based “core offer” designed to address the key priorities identified in our Children’s Plan and needs identified in our Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.  Each activity/intervention has a corresponding summary sheet detailing its respective evidence base and match against local need (See Appendix 3). It is proposed that this methodology will guide future commissioning activity by the Education and Children’s Services Department.

There are three options:

3.1   Option 1:  Implement the proposals as set out in Section 5 and Appendices 4, 5 & 6 of the report.

3.2   Option 2:  Implement only certain elements as set out in Section 5 and Appendices 4, 5 & 6 of the report and seek to secure equitable compensatory savings across the entire  “in scope” activity/intervention portfolio to achieve the required budgetary savings.

3.3   Option 3:  Reject the commissioning review and implement equitable compensatory savings across the entire “in scope” activity/intervention portfolio to achieve the required budgetary savings.

Option 1 is the preferred option as it will secure the greatest impact on desired options – Options 2 and 3 will achieve savings but will perpetuate historical delivery patterns.