Council for Disabled Children May 2014

What is Independent Support? A 2-year programme to provide additional support to young people and parents during the implementation of the SEND reforms Independent Support is Government funded CDC will manage the process and oversee an independent evaluation

The 5 main operational aims for CDC are: 1.To manage a transparent procurement process 2.To manage and implement a grant funding process to all eligible Parent Partnership Services (PPS) to deliver the required services. 3.To provide advice and support to PPSs and organisations under contract and engage local authorities (LA), to ensure successful delivery of the programme throughout its duration. 4.To develop and provide appropriate training that improves workforce skills and knowledge and thereafter the advice and support offered to parents and young people. 5.To manage the process of independent evaluation that provides evidence of improved outcomes for parents and young people and successful practice in the sector.

What success might look like? 1.Investment results in the recruitment of a skilled workforce (up to 1,800 Independent Supporters) who are equipped to support parents and young people through the SEN and Disability reforms (evidence is attendance at appropriate training courses and local feedback from children, young people and their families) 2.Data collected by contracted organisations indicate hard to reach families and vulnerable young people receive Independent Support (parent survey) 3.Data collected through evaluation indicate that improved access to information, advice and support has helped parents and young people through the EHC assessment planning process and had a positive impact on the development of plans. 4.Evaluation indicate systems change has led to improvements in the provision of local information, advice and support for parents and young people by LAs, PPSs and other related organisations. 5.Evidence from evaluation suggest Independent Support adds value which results in LAs wanting to commit to further investment providing their budget permits beyond March Independent evaluation confirms impact, value for money and success of the programme, which helps Government take a view on their investment and its future.

Who is Independent Support designed to support? It will provide independent supporters in each local area as an additional resource for a time limited period to work directly with young people and the parents of children being assessed for an EHC plan This will include: New entrants to the system Children with a statement converting to an EHC plan Young people with an LDA converting to a plan

Who might provide IS? Private, voluntary or community organisations Independent Supporters will: Be locally recruited Have skills and expertise in working with parents and young people Have experience and understanding of SEN and disability Be based in private, voluntary and community sector organisations Complete a training package

But achieved through partnership working “Through partnership working, disabled children and young people with special educational needs and their families are supported through the SEN and Disability reforms in order to improve outcomes and better life chances.” Disabled children and young people with SEN and their families Independent Support Local Authority Parent Partnership Service National Network Of Parent Carer Forums

Our approach ) ‘Evidence and Practice Build’ (Timescale: February – June 2014) Phase 1 : Implementation (Timescale: June 2014 – March 2015) Phase 2 : Implementation ( Timescale: April 2015 – March 2016)  Launch of tender exercise targeting VCOs  Launch of tender exercise targeting PPS  Support provided as identified  Develop and implement training offer and new training modules  Initial evaluation of trials reported in June 2014  ES RFs develop good practice in partnership working and feedback on good practice  Monthly status report to DfE  Outcome report to DfE  Launch of wider tender exercise (VCO) for a longer period  Launch of grant process to all PPS  Contract monitoring and management  Develop further training modules (based on sector need)  Training plan to Independent Supporters recruited in regions  Evaluator criteria set and appointed.  Twice yearly outcome report with recommendations to DfE  Monthly status report to DfE  Contract monitoring and management  Evaluation report on impact and good practice  Sustainability models of good practice developed and disseminated.  Further strategic advice and support to sector based on a need.  Preparation of final report and recommendations  Exit strategy implemented.

E&B: Where are the VCS&P operating across England?

E&B: Where are PPS working across England?

What are we asking VCS&P organisations to do? 1.To investigate, gather evidence and report on effective practice models to achieve positive outcomes and deliver an Independent Support offer within local authority areas 2.Produce 3 practical and innovative workforce development options that identifies an IS workforce (and what that looks like) 3.Produce evidence on what works well from a parent carer perspective and young people to make choices in accessing services and support 4.Fully engage in the pilot training programme being developed by CDC during this phase of work 5.3 case studies setting out examples of good local protocols

What are we asking PPS to do? 1.In the context of a Parent Partnership Service, explore, consult and provide a range of options to implement an Independent Support offer and ensure the PPS service is extended to disabled young people and those with SEN up to age 25 2.In light of exploration work, 3 practical and innovative workforce development options that identifies an IS workforce (and what that looks like) – which sets out clearly how that workforce could be managed and deployed locally or regionally to deliver the required services. 3.3 case studies setting out examples of good local protocols that could be used and/or adapted by the authority and/or by other local authorities and would support joined up service delivery (case study template to be provided by CDC).

And at the same time we are… Developing a 4 day training package:  2 days on line (to be completed in advance of w/c 2 June)  2 days face to face (in w/c 2 June 2014) Piloting in the E&B phase The pilot is expected to involve up to 90 people across 15 sites Much training will be based on Early Support training and C&FA 2014 IPSEA will develop and trail the pilot line legal element of the training ES RFs will deliver the face to face training For the long term, CDC will seek EOI to develop the national legal training programme

Visit the CDC website for news updates for Phase 1 Register your interest at: Contact Martin Bull at More information