Delivering core services to improve support offered to children and young people with SEND and their families

Descriptions

Universal Support (1 contract) , This contract aims to improve the quality of teaching to children and young people with SEND, particularly within mainstream settings (both schools and further education). It will ensure needs are identified and met earlier and more effectively, and that preparation for adulthood is delivered from the earliest stages, to support effective transitions, including into employment. This will be delivered through SEND-specific CPD, alongside greater access to specialist expertise. It will build on training which the teaching workforce receives through reforms to Initial Teacher Training, the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications, by providing SEND-specific support at the point of need. , Participation and Family Support (2 contracts) , The first contract aims to empower children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers to make informed choices about the provision available to them. It also aims to support them to influence SEND policy at local, regional and national level so that services and provision can be designed and delivered in a way that works for children and young people. This will be achieved through continuing to support local participation and coproduction arrangements through the development of Parent Carer Forums and children and young people's participation at a local level; and through improving the strategic participation of children and young people and their parents and carers in regional and national SEND policy and delivery. It will also support the provision of high-quality information, advice and support for families whose children have SEND, including through a national helpline. The successful provider will be responsible for administering grants (including due diligence and monitoring) to up to 152 Parent Carer Forums, in line with current arrangements. , The second contract is for a Strategic Reform Partner. This aims to deliver strategic communication between the DfE and the SEND sector and to provide expert policy advice to the department. It also aims to facilitate and support the DfE to participate in a range of meaningful stakeholder engagement and feedback opportunities across the SEND sector. , Targeted Support (1 Contract with 3 lots - suppliers can bid for 1, a combination or all) , Aims to consolidate and accelerate the targeted support, oversight and challenge provided to local areas including: , A two-strand Adviser support comprising an extended SEND Adviser service continuing the offer of providing professional support and challenge to poorly performing local areas, with additional advisers with expertise in specific areas such as diagnostics, finance, and organisational change. A second strand includes an efficiency adviser service aimed at addressing DSG deficits providing an offer of dedicated financial efficiency support. , A suite of targeted delivery support comprising: bespoke practice model and statutory duty delivery training; senior leadership development and support; and the provision of tailored local improvement support with the level and type/package of support offered dependent on need. , Learning systems development comprising research, development and dissemination of resources, including effective practice exemplars, to build an evidence base for best practice within the sector.