Issue - meetings

  Report CEF23081

The report requested that an available six-month extension for the provision of Education Psychology support be agreed.  The existing contract for the delivery of this service was due to end on 17 April 2024 and the six-month extension period would allow time for an options appraisal to be undertaken to determine the longer-term requirements and procurement options for this service.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Principal Educational Psychologist advised that there were 13.1 full time equivalent Educational Psychologist posts within the service with nine qualified Educational Psychologists currently employed.  The Local Authority did not employ Education Psychology Assistants as these staff were unable to provide Education Health and Care advice which was the major pressure in the service.  A Member asked why recruitment in this area was so challenging for local authorities and the Principal Educational Psychologist explained that agencies offered more flexible working via an attractive day rate of pay as well as virtual roles, whilst Local Authority staff were required to conduct in-person visits.  The Member suggested that the Local Authority review how agencies operated in considering its own future service model and the Principal Educational Psychologist confirmed that all options would be considered.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1)  Agree the available six-month extension to the Education Psychology contract with Sanctuary Personnel Limited at an estimated value of £170k for the period 18 April to 30 September 2024; and,

2)  Note the intent to set out a further Gateway report for decision on the longer-term arrangements for Education Psychology provision as set out in Paragraphs 3.10 and 3.11 to Report CEF23081.