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Introduction
The Education Authority (EA) awarded a Contract to LCC Group Ltd on 6 July 2023 for the supply and delivery of Fuel Oil to the EA, and schools throughout Northern Ireland.
Gas Oil and Kerosene account for approximately 82% of spend associated with heating schools, with DERV Oil used exclusively for vehicles that support the delivery of children’s transport and related services. As schools and transport operations rely heavily on these fuels, continuity of supply is essential to maintaining EA statutory functions.
Objectives
PPN 01/21 mandates Contracting Authorities to include a social value clause within all contracts. This allows public spend to deliver social value, which is a key driver of the Executive’s Programme for Government objectives.
Given the high value and essential nature of the contract, EA broadened the scope of social value delivery to maximise opportunities for environmental improvement and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people. The contract therefore includes commitments under:
- Theme 3 Delivering Zero Carbon including supporting environmental protection and improvement, and supply chains strategies for minimising Carbon Footprint and Emissions.
- Theme 4 Promoting Wellbeing including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
These themes were selected due to the subject matter of the contract and with the focus on delivering outcomes that benefit children and young people.
Actions
LCC Group Ltd appointed a Social Value delivery expert to assist with the implementation of their contractual social value obligations. The supplier has already delivered impactful social value initiatives through this contract and continues to identify and deliver further Social Value initiatives, such as literacy support activities for schools. EA monitors delivery through regular contract management meetings to ensure that commitments remain on track.
Outcome
LCC Group Ltd has delivery several initiatives that directly benefit our children and young people. One recent activity involved a donation to two primary schools to enhance access to reading materials.
This initiative has proven very successful, particularly for Lissan Primary School, one of the beneficiaries. The principal of Lissan Primary School, Ciara McIntyre, provided the following feedback:
“Lissan Primary School is delighted to share the positive impact of the LCC Social Value Project. Thanks to their generous donation, our school has been able to significantly strengthen our literacy resources, enrich our Accelerated Reader programme, and provide inspiring reading experiences for every pupil."
New Books for Every Class
The funding enabled us to purchase a broad range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts for each class. These books were carefully chosen to suit a wide variety of reading abilities, interests, and genres, ensuring that every child can find something they love. Teachers have noted increased enthusiasm, more book talk in classrooms, and children confidently recommending books to one another.
Enhancing Our Accelerated Reader Programme
The new books have made a substantial difference to our Accelerated Reader (AR) programme. By selecting titles that are AR-quizzed, we were able to:
- Expand the choice of books available at each ZPD level
- Offer appropriately challenging texts for emerging, developing, and fluent readers
- Support reluctant readers by providing fresh, appealing options
- Encourage independence, allowing pupils to select books within their personalised AR range
Accelerated Reader continues to be a core part of our literacy strategy because it promotes regular, meaningful reading practice, provides instant feedback through quizzes, and helps teachers track progress with precision. This combination helps build skilled, confident, and motivated readers.
The principal has also highlighted the positive impact of a whole-school visit to their local library, which was also possible through this social value initiative.
This has contributed to an increase in independent library visits, helping to build positive literacy habits beyond the school environment.
“The support from the LCC Social Value Project has made a wonderful difference to our school. The new books have strengthened our Accelerated Reader programme, inspired our pupils, and helped us build a strong reading culture both in school and within our local community. We are truly grateful for this partnership and for the investment in our children’s futures.” C. McIntyre (Principal)
Conclusion
This initiative demonstrates the meaningful and long term impact that social value delivery can achieve for children and young people.
LCC Group Ltd continue to engage with EA to identify opportunities that support wellbeing , remove barriers and increase accessibility to resources which can contribute to an overall improvement of fundamental skills, provide long-term support of literacy development and life-long learning for our Children and Young People.