Purpose

Permission is being sought to commission an
external organisation to fulfil the specialist role of supporting
schools to review and analyse data at key points across the primary
phases, Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) and Key Stage
1 (KS1). This will include the facilitation of moderation
activities to ensure consistency and accuracy in teacher assessment
judgements across Oldham. In addition, the provider will deliver
training and support to schools, focusing on key priorities
identified through the 2025 national data submissions.

Content

RESOLVED - That:
To seek approval to commission an external organisation with the
skills, knowledge and experience through an open quotation process
to fulfil the specialist role to review and analyse data at key
points throughout primary phases and provide moderation and
training focused on key priorities to improve outcomes for children
throughout their primary education for 1 year, but with the ability
to extend the commission for a further year.

Reasons for the decision

Option 1 - Approval to initiate an open
quotation process to identify and commission an external
organisation with the necessary expertise to deliver specialist
support in data analysis, moderation, and training across the Early
Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) for an initial
period of one year, with the option to extend the commission for a
further year, subject to review.
Any risks to delivery and implementation of the programme will be
identified as and when required and mitigated against. Emerging
risks will be managed through formal contract monitoring
processes.

Option 2 - Do not approve or proceed with the commissioning of an
external organisation

Alternative options considered

Option 2: Do not approve or proceed with the
commissioning of an external organisation
Risks
Not to award a contract to an external organisation could pose a
risk to the Council as there is a lack of capacity within the EYs
and Learning Service to undertake the operational lead role
in-house. This could negatively impact on outcomes for children if
there are no focus on data and training until the end of the
primary education