Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Social Care seeking authority to accept funds should the bid be successful, commence a procurement process and to delegate authority to the Director Quality and Integration to award the contract following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Social Care and Service Director Legal and Governance.

HeadStart is a BIG Lottery funded programme. It is a multi-agency project that aims to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of 10-16 year olds who are at risk of developing mental health problems. It has 3 phases: 1) development (complete), 2) pilot delivery (current) and 3) a large bid for between £5 - £10m over 5 years (submission due 26 February 2016). Southampton is 1 of 12 HeadStart areas in England. Only those currently delivering phase 2 are eligible to bid for stage 3. This presents a significant opportunity for the City, with a focus on early intervention and the key principles and proposed outcomes support the Health and Wellbeing Strategy priority of ‘Best Start in Life’. In addition, the universal support model will help reduce pressure on acute health and care services in the future, whilst signposting those who need it to more specialist support.

(i)  Subject to approval by Council to accept the funding in advance, approval is sought to delegate authority to the Director of Quality & Integration to carry out a procurement process for the provision of HeadStart Phase 3 as set out in this report and to enter into contracts in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules; and

(ii)  Subject to approval by Council to accept the funding in advance, approval is sought to delegate authority to the Director of Quality & Integration following consultation with the relevant cabinet member to decide on the final model of commissioned services and all decision making in relation to this programme.

1.  The successful implementation and delivery of the HeadStart Strategy will improve outcomes for children and young people.  Its key principles and proposed outcomes support the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2013-16 priority of ‘Best Start in Life’ and take forward the Council Plan priority of prevention and early intervention.

2.  The universal support model will help reduce pressure on social care and health services in the future whilst signposting those who need it to more specialist support.

3.  The contracts will support the Council to meet the needs of children, young people and families in Southampton. It will support young people to look after their own health and wellbeing, help to tackle health inequalities and to develop a sustainable approach to early intervention and prevention in schools.

None.