Lot 1
Cornwall Council wants to work together with independent, community-based partners, to develop a range of ‘out of school, alternative education provision’ and specialist placements for children and young people currently unable to access full-time, mainstream education. For the majority of young people, the most effective education is in a mainstream setting (with or without additional support). However, over the past 2 years, there has also been a significant increase in the number of children and young people who need bespoke provision or augmented educational offer to support their wellbeing and school attendance. Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, Local Authorities have a duty to ensure there is suitable alternative education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school because of illness, exclusion or for any other reason. Therefore, Cornwall Council needs to ensure that provision, including EOTAS provision, is sufficient to meet demand, varied enough to meet a wide range of needs, accessible, safe and delivers good quality educational outcomes. Additionally, if a child is permanently excluded, the LA must provide suitable, alternative full-time education from day 6 of the exclusion. This is for all children, not just those with SEN needs or those an EHC plan. Currently Cornwall Council spot-purchase individual placements and bespoke provision for young people. However, Cornwall Council wishes to develop to an Approved Provider List (APL). The aim of the APL will be to increase due diligence and ensure that children and young people accessing the alternative provision are safe and are fully supported to reach their agreed outcomes whilst attending high quality provision. This will mean that, from September 2024, Cornwall Council will only be using providers who have joined the APL and agreed to deliver to the quality standards. This Approved Provider List specification has been developed through engagement sessions with existing community-based providers.
