Issue details

Speech and Language support for education settings across the Early Years and Primary Sector

A decision is being sought to request approval for an exemption from the Contract Procedure Rules to make a direct contract award to the Kingfisher Learning Trust to deliver training, support and coaching for the Better Communication Team.
The Kingfisher Learning Trust is unique in having a member of the team from Oldham who completed DfE Early Years Professional Development Tutor Champion, alongside other elements of trained trainer for other programmes such as Making it REAL that are delivered in Oldham including Sign Along, which are integral to the coaching and support as part of the Better Communication Team
This report seeks approval for an exemption from the Contract Procedure Rules to enable a direct contract award to be made to the Kingfisher Learning Trust for their specialist expertise to support the Better Communication Team in Oldham by providing specialist coaching and training to improve outcomes for children in Oldham in speech, language and communication

Decision type: Non-key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 01/02/2024

Decision due: 27 Nov 2023 by Director of Education, Skills & Early Years

Lead member: Cabinet Member - Education and Skills

Contact: Rachel Peterson, Learning Support Apprentice Email: schoolsandsettingsworktray@oldham.gov.uk Email: rachel.peterson@oldham.gov.uk.

Consultation process

Speech, language and communication are crucial to every child’s ability to succeed in life, vital to the development of children’s health, emotional and social well-being and educational achievement. The first five years of life, when brain development is most rapid and children are most open and receptive to new experiences, is crucial to the development of speech, language and communication. Studies have shown that during this critical period, young children learn to communicate and develop language by participating in warm, responsive interactions with important adults in their lives such as parents, carers and early years practitioners.
Speech and Language Therapy Services (SALT) for children, young people and adults are currently delivered in Oldham by Northern Care Alliance under a contract commissioned by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Decisions

Background papers