Independent Specialist Education Provision

The Children and Families Act (2014) Section 20 explains that when a child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), they need special educational provision made for them. This may be adaptations within a mainstream school setting, or a specialist placement. Identified and recorded in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Additionally, The SEND Code of Practice (2015) delivers the legalities contained within the Children and Families Act (2014).

The Code of Practice states that "All children and young people are entitled to an appropriate education, one that is appropriate to their needs, promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential. This should enable them to achieve their best, become confident individuals living fulfilling lives, and make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further or higher education or training".

It is the statutory duty of the City of Wolverhampton Council to ensure that all children and young people with SEND in the City receive the educational placement that upholds this entitlement.

The city of Wolverhampton Council is aiming to compose a framework of suitable independent specialist education providers from which it may allocate placements for children and young people with specialist educational requirements. The service aims to commission a range of Independent Specialist Education Providers which support children and young people with EHCPs to meet their full potential, while promoting choice and delivering best value for money.

Provision under this Framework will be for children and young people between the ages of 5-25 as set out in the SEND Code of Practice.

This Framework will include 4 Lots:

• Lot 1: Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 5-11, National Curriculum Years 1-6)
• Lot 2: Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements - (ages 11-16, National Curriculum Years 7-11)
• Lot 3: Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements
• Lot 4: Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements

Children and young people receiving an education within an Independent Specialist Education Provision (ISEP) will have an Educational, Health and Care Plan. As outlined within the plan, their specific SEND need will fall into one or more of the following categories of need as set out in the SEND Code of Practice:

• Cognition and Learning
• Communication and Interaction (Including Autism)
• Social Emotional Mental Health
• Physical and Sensory

To best meet the needs of pupils, each of the 4 Lots will be split further into the above 4 categories.

Lots

This procurement was divided into 1 lots, each awarded separately.