Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 11.1 The Service Manger introduced the report which outlined to the committee the School-to-Pool Transport Contract and how it forms a critical part of the Sheffield School Swim Service, which delivers statutory curriculum swimming lessons for primary-aged pupils across the city. The Committee were being asked to approve the re-procurement.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a)    Approved the re-procurement of the School-to-Pool Transport Services Framework, which provides safe and reliable transport for pupils across Sheffield to access statutory swimming lessons during the school day.     11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 We are recommending that the council procures a new school[1]to-pool framework contract for a period of four years.     11.3.2 Why this is the preferred option?   ·       The market for the contract is limited so it is hoped that a four-year term could attract multiple external suppliers. Increasing resilience and therefore reducing missed lessons. ·       It will provide the service with opportunities to run multiple competitions throughout the life of the contract i.e., if the service uses a new pool, the timetable changes. ·       It will provide the service with the right to withdraw from the contract i.e., no longer require transport for a certain pool. ·       The price for transport would be cheaper per run than a school sourcing their own private hire, meaning schools can prioritise buying swimming to meet the needs of their pupils.     11.3.3 Intended outcomes ·       Attract several external suppliers to work in partnership with over the next four years. ·       Provide a competitive price for the school-to-pool transport. ·       Awareness of the school-to-pool transport costs for the next four years.       11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Alternative Option 1: A consultation process took place with the council’s transport services to investigate whether school-to-pool transport could be delivered in house. This was rejected due to the following: The need for high passenger capacity coaches (48 seats). Coaches would be required during their peak times which they are unable to accommodate.     11.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Schools could source their own transport as private hire. However, this would be at a higher cost per run and therefore have direct impact on attainment, as schools would purchase less swimming meaning children would not learn the vital skills needed to get out of water in the event of an accident.