Havering Council has awarded contracts worth approximately £8.4 million to three providers for pupil support services, ensuring the continuity of provision for vulnerable pupils. The decision, made by the council's Cabinet on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, will see approximately 166 places per year commissioned across the three providers.
The contracts, which will run for two years and are funded from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block, are for Ofsted-registered alternative provision. This includes Day 6 Education Provision, commissioned through Olive Academies and Koru Independent School, for pupils permanently excluded from school, and Medical Needs Provision, commissioned through The Bridge (Life Education Trust), for children and young people unable to attend school due to physical or mental health needs.
Councillor Kevin Gill, Cabinet Member for Children, presented the report, emphasizing the council's statutory duty to arrange suitable education for children who would otherwise not receive it. The three providers that received the contracts are Koru Independent AP Academy (Koru), The Bridge (Life Education Trust), and Olive Academy (Olive).
All three providers are Ofsted-regulated and are currently utilised by the Council, possessing an established track record of delivering high-quality alternative provision to vulnerable pupils. Historically, all commissioned places have been fully utilized by the end of the academic year, reflecting the level of need and the effectiveness of these providers. The decision to award contracts to these providers ensures continuity of provision and avoids potential breaches of statutory duties.
The report highlighted that occupancy levels across the commissioned providers had increased throughout the academic year, with Olive Academy reaching full capacity by June 2026. The number of pupils carried forward into September 2026 demonstrates continuing demand and provides an indication of future capacity requirements. The School Admissions, Attendance & Inclusions Service monitors occupancy levels throughout the academic year.
Two of the providers are multi-academy trusts, while the third, Koru Independent AP Academy, is a private school. Due to Koru Independent AP Academy falling within the scope of the Procurement Act 2023, the Cabinet agreed to a waiver of the Council's Contract Procedure Rules for this award. This waiver was required because Koru is a private school and the award is proposed as a direct award under Schedule 5, paragraph 7 of the Procurement Act 2023, on the grounds that not to do so would cause significant disruption to an established arrangement, to the detriment of vulnerable pupils.
The decision is intended to prevent potential breaches of statutory duties and ensure vulnerable pupils continue to receive necessary support. The council's statutory duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable full-time education for children who would not otherwise receive it, including those with EHCPs, underpins the commissioning of these services.
Further details on the council's decisions can be found in the Decisions 12th Aug 2026 Cabinet document.
