The preferred bidder to run schools for ill children in Cornwall has withdrawn from the tender process saying it was clear it wouldn't be able to work with the current provider.

The Special Partnership Trust has notified Cornwall Council of its withdrawal from the tender process for the provision of alternative education for children unable to attend school due to medical or health needs. It had been awarded the contract for September 2022 onwards through a tender process.

In a statement issued to the Packet, Guy Chappell, director, The Special Partnerships Trust said: "This has been a difficult decision for us, as the trust would have delivered this service at the highest level. Our priority is always on improving the learning opportunities for pupils in our care, and this relies on partnership working and collaboration. In our view, it is clear from the reaction of the incumbent provider that this would have been challenging, if not impossible.

"Although we are disappointed, we feel this is the right decision, as we continue to focus our energy on ensuring the best possible outcomes for the pupils across Cornwall.

"As the procurement process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the trust to provide further comment at this stage."

The current provider CHES Academy, which operates at three sites in Truro and Bodmin, including Glynn House in Truro, provides education and care to children and young people from across Cornwall who are too ill to attend mainstream schools.

The Academy, led by Wave Multi Academy Trust, has delivered this work under a contract from Cornwall Council since 2007 – but its future was put in doubt after the council awarded the contract to The Special Partnerships Trust.

Wave had lodged a legal challenge at the High Court in a bid to overturn it.

Following the announcement a spokesperson for Wave Multi Academy Trust said: “This is a decision that SPT has taken and it is therefore not for us to comment.

"Our priority is that we continue to provide vulnerable children and young people from across Cornwall, and in the other local authorities where we operate, with the highest quality care and education. We remain committed to continuing to provide outstanding education to children in Cornwall who are unable to attend school due to medical issues.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Cornwall Council is aware that the preferred bidder has withdrawn. We cannot comment further at this time.”