Decision details

That the request to extend the Framework for the provision of courses for the Bromley Flexible Learning Programme until 31^st July 2016 be approved.

The Bromley Flexible Learning Programme works to increase the participation and educational achievement of young people identified as being at risk of exclusion from learning.  Until September 2013, this service was delivered by a range of providers through a number of separate contracts.  A review of these procurement arrangements undertaken during 2013 concluded that a more competitive approach should be taken and that a Framework of potential providers be established from which contracts could be ‘called-off’ as needed.  A tendering exercise was undertaken to establish a Framework of providers to deliver courses to young people identified as being at risk of exclusion from learning across a wide range of interests and educational needs.  A further tendering exercise was later undertaken to identify providers of health and beauty courses, which had been recognised as a gap in the provision. 

The Framework and call-off contracts were awarded for a period of one year from 1^st September 2013, with the option to extend on an annual basis for two further years.  The option to extend was taken up in 2014, and it is now requested to extend the contract for the final one year period available under the terms of the contract.  There are currently 31 young people participating in the Bromley Flexible Learning Programme of which 23 are in Year 11 and 8 are in Year 10.