A decision is being sought to request approval
for an exemption under Rule 21 of the Contract Procedure Rules
(CPRs) to waive the requirement under Rule 4 of the CPRs to obtain
3 quotes. Subject to approval of the exemption, authority is then
needed for the required budget and for a direct contract award to
the Kingfisher Learning Trust to deliver training, support and
coaching for the Better Communication Team.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/09/2025
Decision due: 26 Aug 2025 by Executive Director Children and Young People (Director of Childrens Services)
Lead member: Cabinet Member - Children and Young People
Contact: Emma Bennett, Learning Development Officer Email: schoolsandsettingsworktray@oldham.gov.uk Email: Emma.Bennett@oldham.gov.uk.
Consultation process
The Kingfisher Learning Trust is unique in
having a member of the team from Oldham who completed the DfE Early
Years Professional Development Tutor Champion qualification, the
only other person to gain this qualification has now retired. The
other key element is that they are one of a limited number of
trained trainers within the region for Making it REAL, which is a
key programme as part of the Family Hubs strategy to improve
outcomes for young children by supporting the Home Learning
Environment, along with delivery through early years in schools and
settings. Other local authorities have come to Oldham for support
for training and delivery of the Making it REAL programme. They
also have a Sign Along Tutor, which is integral to the coaching and
support as part of the Better Communication Team.
The Kingfisher Learning Trust also has in depth knowledge of the
education system in Oldham and existing relationships with the
early years sector, which is critical in enabling them to work at
pace with the high levels of speech and language needs in Oldham
and increased pressures on the core Speech and language service
with lengthy waiting lists. They have provided training, coaching
and support since 2018, so is key in continuity of service, with
the decrease in capacity through the Better Communication Team
through the development of the ELSEC team, it is key that
additional capacity is provided through extending the support from
Kingfisher by an additional day. This is also key as the remit has
increased to provide coaching, training and support to the newly
restructured Integrated Child and Family Support Service and Family
Hubs delivery.