Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Children and Young People

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/179

Contact: Alison Walker, Commissioning Officer Promote and Prevent

Alison.walker@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Childrens Services Lisa Lyons (CMDCEYP)

RECOMMENDATION

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)     Approve the re-tendering of the Cross Regional Project partnership

b)    Approve the council’s plan to expand growth in Oxfordshire by raising     

           the number of block placements from 17 by an additional 8, reaching a  

           maximum total of 25 placements throughout the ten-year contract  

           period (structured as 5+2+1+1+1 years).

The report was presented by Head of Joint Commissioning

The Cabinet Member considered a report which he indicated was very positive.

The partnership was formed by Oxfordshire County Council (the council),

Buckinghamshire Council, Milton Keynes Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Bedford Borough Council, and Reading Council. Oxfordshire County Council would take the lead in commissioning and procurement activities. The re-tendering process was to be aligned with the conclusion of the current service, which was scheduled to end on 31 July 2027.

The council planned to re-tender the Cross Regional Project (CRP), which would deliver therapeutic residential care and educational services for children aged 11–17 with complex needs and offering 36 placements.

The Cabinet Member resolved to:

a)    approve the re-tendering of the Cross Regional Project partnership.

b)     approve the council’s plan to expand growth in Oxfordshire by raising     

           the number of block placements from 17 by an additional 8, reaching a 

           maximum total of 25 placements throughout the ten-year contract 

           period (structured as 5+2+1+1+1 years).