Proposed decision –to reduce the value of the core contract with The Education People in 2026/27 by £1.633m through changes to the service specification.
Reason for the decision
KCC’s contract with the Education People has been in place since 2018/19. It provides for delivery of a range of KCC’s statutory functions, and to a much lesser extent, the provision of discretionary service.
The County Council needs to respond to a range of challenges – financial, legislative, policy based and quality related. It needs to ensure its resources are focused on delivering its statutory duties to suitable standard, and on meeting the changing policy objectives of both Government and the County Council.
The contract with TEP currently totals £9m. Changes are required to reduce the contract cost to match the funding envelope available.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
The option of not looking closely at the TEP contract for efficiencies and service deliver changes to secure a contribution to the savings needed by KCC was discarded. The services commissioned from it by KCC need to continue to evolve to meet the current demands and requirements of KCC.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
The proposals align with Framing Kent’s Future, KCC’s strategic framework, in particular:
The proposed decision supports “Securing Kent’s Future – budget recovery strategy”. It contributes towards delivering the Service’s MTFP savings target, ensures value for money, and a sharp focusing of the available resources to delivering the Council’s statutory duties.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 13/01/2026
Anticipated restriction: Fully exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 11th Feb 2026 by Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services
Lead director: Christine McInnes
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee 20 January 2026.
Financial implications: The contract value will reduce by £1.633m during 2026/27. There will be one-off implementation costs associated with KCC’s contractual obligations.
Legal implications: TEP is a wholly owned KCC trading company. The proposed contract changes are being developed and agreed jointly by the company and Education Service, the contract commissioner, in line with contract requirements. There are no legal implications from a contractual perspective. The proposals will not impact negatively on the Council’s ability to deliver its statutory duties
Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessment has been completed. As the proposals relate to commissioned services funded by the Children’s, Young People and Education budget, these discharge the County Council’s statutory responsibilities towards children, and thus affect this age group. However, the purpose of the changes are to ensure the available resources are used in a manner which best supports the outcomes for children and young people.