Issue - meetings

(To receive a report by the Executive Director – Children's Services which seeks approval for an extension to the contract for the Best Start Lincolnshire: Early Years and Family Service)

That an extension to the contract for the Best Start Lincolnshire: Early Years and Family Service with Pre-School Learning Alliance for up to a maximum of 12 months from 1 July 2022 to 20 June 2023 (9 months initially to 31 March 2023), while the Commissioned Early Years Services review is concluded, be approved.

A report was submitted to the Executive which sought an exception to the County Council's Contract Regulations, to extend the Council's contract with the Pre-School Learning Alliance (trading name Early Years Alliance) for the Best Start Lincolnshire: Early Years and Family Service, for up to 12 months to 30 June 2023.

It was reported that a review was being undertaken of the Commissioned Early Years Services, which includes the Best Start Lincolnshire: Early Years and Family Service, however, the timescales for the review completion had been delayed by the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and a number of interdependencies that had also been impacted by Covid-19, including timescales for any potential re-procurement of an Early Years and Family Service.

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee had considered the report on 25 June 2021, and the Chairman of the Committee presented the comments, and highlighted that Committee members had unanimously supported the recommendations to the Executive.  The Committee had also highlighted the importance investing in early intervention services for children.

In response to a question, it was noted that the focus of this review was not on the children's centre buildings, but the services delivered within them.  It was highlighted that the Council was very keen for children's centres to be open, and they were increasingly opening in line with current government guidance.

RESOLVED

            That an extension to the contract for the Best Start Lincolnshire: Early Years and Family Service with Pre-School Learning Alliance for up to a maximum of 12 months from 1 July 2022 to 20 June 2023 (9 months initially to 31 March 2023), while the Commissioned Early Years Services review is concluded, be approved.