1. Transporting the Public (Home to School/College and Adult Services) Contract Parent/Carer Consultation Events – 13/14 January 2015

2. The Arrangements The Local Authority has a duty under the Education and Inspections Act 1996 and in section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 and section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 to provide or arrange transport to and from home to school/college for pupils and students and from home to day opportunities for vulnerable adults in certain circumstances. The current transport contracts will all terminate in August 2015.

3. The New Contract Relates to transportation of pupils with Disabilities and Additional Needs (DANS) or other specific needs attending schools, and Adults with assessed critical and/or substantial needs attending further education, employment, leisure and day opportunities.

4. The New Contract Will be awarded to successful providers for a period of 3 years from September 2015 with an option to extend for up to a further 12 month period on terms and conditions approved by the Head of Law and Governance on behalf of North Tyneside Council.

5. Procurement Process (1) The procurement process must deliver value for money as well as meeting the requirements of both the EU Procurement Regulations and the Local Authority’s Contract Standing Orders.

6. Procurement Process (2) The contract(s) must meet the guidance set out in the Department for Education and Skills document “Home to School Travel for Pupils Requiring Special Arrangements” issued in November 2004, and the “Home to School Travel and Transport Guidance” issued in July 2014.

7. Procurement Process (3) All tenderers will be required to comply with the Local Authority’s eligibility criteria for Adult Social Care Services and Fair Access to Care Services. The procurement process will be under a framework agreement and the number of providers will be determined upon receipt of tender returns.

8. Procurement Process (4) The Home to School and Adult Services contract(s) is divided up into various routes, which are tendered, and awarded to individual contractors who provide a transport service using a licensed taxi or licensed public service vehicle. In most cases an approved passenger assistant must accompany the driver.

9. Procurement Process (5) Within the arrangements to establish the new Transporting the Public contract(s), both driver and passenger assistant will require clearance from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) and must also attend appropriate accredited training courses. The Local Authority will undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

10. Current Position North Tyneside Cabinet have approved the formal procurement process (10 Nov 2014). Contractor Briefing Sessions were held in November 2014. Information has been shared with the All Together Better Forum.

11. Next Steps Tender process to start end of January 2015. Return of all tenders Easter 2015. Award of contract(s)/decisions May 2015. Engagement with individual parents/carers late June/early July 2015.

12. Contact Officers Tracey Bradbury Transport and Admissions Officer, Access Team, Commissioning and Investment. Tel 0191 643 8726 hometoschooltransport@northtyneisde.gov.ukhometoschooltransport@northtyneisde.gov.uk. Gwen Evans Manager Transport Support Services and Facilities Adult Social Care Tel 0191 643 7716

13. Any Questions ?