northerncare has both block and spot contract arrangements with Local Authorities right across England and is willing and able to work with you on either basis, depending on your needs.

We have, however, observed that long-term block contracts are more advantageous arrangements for both parties where Local Authorities have the following goals:

• Placing children closer to home (within a 20 mile radius)
• Require “out of area” placement options
• Efficiency gains

This is because both parties are able to plan forward with far greater certainty and better allocate resources, tailoring local solutions to local needs. A stand-out example of such a contract is that between northerncare and Coventry City Council.

This is the largest contract of its type to date and involves the provision of 30 beds over a 10 year period. This contract received the following recognition:

• Identified as a Model of Good Practice by Department of Education (formerly DCSF) and Every Child Matters
• Shortlisted by the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2007 for the service redesign and procurement exercise
• Praised for embracing the needs of the city and its Looked After Children

We are open to discussing your commissioning strategies with you and welcome the opportunity to do so.
 

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