The network had its first meeting on Friday 10 November 2023 and has been established following the SE region Commissioning Stocktake report. The initial focus of the network is to establish a forum to share experience and current challenges to maximise a regional approach. The network will also provide a vehicle to coordinate responses to national initiatives, opportunities and surveys.
Meetings take place every two months and are held via MS Teams.
Lara Patel (Executive Director, Children’s Services, Brighter Futures for Children, Reading) is the Project Sponsor. and Chris Baird (details below) is the project co-ordinator.
Request for help – Education EHCP Market Knowledge
In October 2024, we have started to research sources of market knowledge to enhance our shared understanding of the market for education placements for children with Education Health and Care Plans.
LAs are making placements in independent special schools, both within and out of their own area. We want to have better visibility across the market, and in particular to get a better grip on
- independent special school providers (both day and residential)
- placement types and volumes
- fees
- fee structures, including bandings where used
- price increases
- who else is using each placement
Network members would use this information in spot purchase negotiations, annual price reviews, coordinating QA visits, strategic sufficiency planning and preparation for tribunals.
First Ask:
What is already taking place in the region and is this market information being collected, shared or coordinated?
Second Ask:
What do other regions currently have in place, including how it is organised on a day-to-day basis to ensure it is sustainable and adds value?
Contact
If you can shed any light on the either the first or second question, then please contact Chris Baird bchrisbaird@gmail.com 07855 492010 who is coordinating the responses.
Membership
A full list of Commissioners Network members can be seen here
Next Meeting
More from Chris Baird (details below)