Decision details

Permission is being sought to commission an external organisation to fulfil the specialist role of supporting schools to review and analyse data at key points across the primary phases, Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) and Key Stage 1 (KS1). This will include the facilitation of moderation activities to ensure consistency and accuracy in teacher assessment judgements across Oldham. In addition, the provider will deliver training and support to schools, focusing on key priorities identified through the 2025 national data submissions.

RESOLVED - That:
To seek approval to commission an external organisation with the skills, knowledge and experience through an open quotation process to fulfil the specialist role to review and analyse data at key points throughout primary phases and provide moderation and training focused on key priorities to improve outcomes for children throughout their primary education for 1 year, but with the ability to extend the commission for a further year.

Option 1 - Approval to initiate an open quotation process to identify and commission an external organisation with the necessary expertise to deliver specialist support in data analysis, moderation, and training across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend the commission for a further year, subject to review.
Any risks to delivery and implementation of the programme will be identified as and when required and mitigated against. Emerging risks will be managed through formal contract monitoring processes.

Option 2 - Do not approve or proceed with the commissioning of an external organisation

Option 2: Do not approve or proceed with the commissioning of an external organisation
Risks
Not to award a contract to an external organisation could pose a risk to the Council as there is a lack of capacity within the EYs and Learning Service to undertake the operational lead role in-house. This could negatively impact on outcomes for children if there are no focus on data and training until the end of the primary education

This report seeks approval to proceed with Option 1: initiating an open quotation process to identify and commission an external organisation with the requisite expertise to provide specialist support in data analysis, moderation, and training across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1).

The proposed commission will be for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend for a further year, subject to performance and continued need.

The total funding is fully funded through the School Improvement service as part of the de-delegated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). This funding is already accounted for in the FY25/26 budget.