Decision details

This report seeks exemption from contract procedure rules in order to create a suitable commissioning route for the Council to commission Ruth Miskin Training to deliver a programme of Phonics training, coaching and mentoring support as part of a borough wide Literacy Strategy.
The programme will support schools to develop a consistent approach to teaching Phonics. The intention is to work with and develop the 14 schools that are currently using this approach, as well as bringing on 5 new schools per year over 3 academic years.
The funding will be used to provide:
Launch event (half-day) with Ruth Miskin for headteachers and reading leaders ‘Every child in our school can read’
Ongoing training every September and January for new staff
3 centrally organised two-day trainings – paid for by LA
Reading Leader training One per term for all reading leaders including 121 tutoring to reach slowest progress 20% pupils
RMT project lead data analysis Half termly analysis of school progress data and meeting with Oldham lead and ongoing contact/trouble-shooting/support
Training for new schools/ schools trained over two years ago that have not had termly Development days
Two days in-school training for up to 45 people, two places on a regional training for reading leader/EYFS lead, three Development days – one per term
Support for Read Write Inc. schools trained in last two years
Three Development days – one per term
This request is made in the context of the investment (c£6m) provided to Oldham, as an Opportunity Area (OA), by the Department for Education (DfE). Formal approval for the receipt of the section 31 grant funding to resource the Opportunity Area programme was granted though a Cabinet Report on the 6 June 2016. The OA is committed to joint funding the programme by providing access to funds of up to £50K for the academic year 2019-20.

RESOLVED - That: permission is given to commission Ruth Miskin Training to deliver the programme outlined.

Option 1 - Commission Ruth Miskin Training to deliver the programme (as outlined above).
Option 2 - To not commission the training. - This Option would pose a significant risk in the following areas:
•Breakdown in relationships with Oldham Primary Schools who are keen to engage in the programme.
•Potential reputational risk to the Council due to:
oLack of strategy to improve Phonics outcomes across the borough.
oLack of availability of universal, targeted and bespoke training to schools using this particular approach
oLack of cohesive approach and consistency of support and messages affecting quality of support to children and education settings

Option 2

Consultation took place with colleagues in Finance, Legal Services and Procurment who noted any implications around the chosen option.