Open Framework for Specialist Support and Therapies for Children and Young People with SEND

The London Borough of Hounslow is seeking experienced providers for an open framework to provide Specialist Support and Therapies for Children and Young People with SEND.

This open framework is established by the London Borough of Hounslow for use by the Authority, named Local Authorities and Educational Institutions, including all maintained schools, academies, free schools, special schools, pupil referral units, alternative provision settings, further education colleges, specialist post-16 institutions and other educational establishments within Greater London and the additional geographical areas specified in this notice.

The Framework provides a compliant, quality-assured route for the Authority, schools, education settings, out of borough settings and other authorised Customers to purchase support from NHS, independent, voluntary and community sector and public service Providers.

The open framework supports Section F delivery and may support assessment, advice, early intervention, graduated response, consultation, workforce development and AP outreach where an authorised call-off is made. It does not transfer or dilute any statutory duty held by the Authority, an education setting, an ICB, the NHS or another public body.

• The Framework provides a compliant, quality-assured route for the Authority, schools, education settings, out of borough settings and other authorised Customers to purchase support from NHS, independent, voluntary and community sector and public service Providers.
• The Framework supports Section F delivery and may support assessment, advice, early intervention, graduated response, consultation, workforce development and AP outreach where an authorised call-off is made. It does not transfer or dilute any statutory duty held by the Authority, an education setting, an ICB, the NHS or another public body.

Hounslow is a diverse and mobile borough. The February 2025 SEND and AP Strategic Improvement Plan records a population of about 291,000, 188 languages, 79 schools serving around 48,000 pupils and more than 5,000 in-year school admissions. The same baseline records 3,100 active EHCPs in January 2024, equal to 4.5% of the school population, and SEN Support at 14.5% in 2023/24.

• Demand is variable across the academic year and is affected by EHCP activity, annual reviews, statutory assessment, transitions, mid-year admissions, placement change, AP and attendance pressures, tribunal activity, out of borough placements and national SEND reform. No historic or forecast figure is a guaranteed call-off volume.
• The Framework supports the SEND and AP Strategic Improvement Plan, One Hounslow needs-led funding, the developing Experts at Hand model and the requirement to strengthen oversight of therapy funding allocated to education settings.
• The Framework principles are:

Child-centred - The child's voice, aspirations, communication and lived experience shape plans, delivery and review.

Timely and flexible -Customers can access suitable capacity, specialisms and delivery models without avoidable delay.

Inclusive and preventative -Support strengthens participation, early intervention and mainstream inclusion without weakening statutory provision.

Choice and continuity -Call-offs can consider need, family preference, continuity, location, capacity, quality and value.

Transparent and comparable -Common standards, maximum prices and evidence requirements reduce unjustified variation and duplicate payment.

Sustainable market -The open structure supports SMEs, sole practitioners, VCS, NHS and larger Providers through proportionate requirements.

One system - Education, health, care and commissioned services work together with clear responsibilities and escalation routes.

• Providers must comply with all legislation, statutory guidance, professional requirements and local procedures in force during the Framework and each call-off. References below include any successor or updated requirement.

 Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004.

 Education Act 1996, including section 19, and Education Act 2002, including safeguarding duties.

 Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.

 Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 where applicable.

 Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, common law confidentiality and records management requirements.

 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations.

 Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024 where relevant to Framework and call-off awards.

 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026.

 DfE guidance on arranging AP, school attendance and non-school AP standards.

 HCPC, RCSLT, RCOT, BPS, DECP, NICE and other competent-body requirements applicable to the ordered service.

Appointment to the open framework gives no guaranteed work, expenditure, volume or exclusivity for any of the 4 lots.

For further details please refer to the suite of tender documents available on the following link