Decision details

The County Council has a duty to take steps to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, sufficient accommodation within its area which meets the needs of children within its care. Sourcing stable placements which adequately meet the requirements of children and keeps them within county borders and close to their family, friends and communities is a particular challenge, and this picture is reflected nationally.

The County Council has been working with providers from a range of sectors including those already operating in residential and semi-independent care, to identify potential solutions to these issues. The culmination of this work is to propose a new approach, developing services in partnership with providers, to deliver residential care provision for children we care for, including those with complex needs, and better support sufficiency in West Sussex. 

The intention is to direct award contracts for the delivery of 3 new residential homes consisting of 2 or 3 bedrooms each, thereby increasing placement availability within or close to West Sussex.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills has approved:-

(1)The Direct Award of three contracts to the following providers for the provision of three new residential units to provide placements for children we care for:-

•              Cranmead

•              BEST Project

•              Bespoke Guardians

Issuing of contracts is dependent on Ofsted registration. The first two are expected to be issued in early December 2024 and the final one in Spring 2025. All contracts will come to an end on the 30th June 2026.

None declared.