SENDIASS (Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) Information, Advice and Support Service) - AWARD

The purpose of this document is to set out the Council and the Integrated Care Board(ICB)'s requirements of an Information, Advice and Support Service for parents and carers of children and young people with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) and young people who have a SEND.

The Council and the ICB's vision is that parents and carers of children and young people with SEND have access to a high-quality information, advice and support service, which is widely respected as an impartial source of support.

Sandwell Council approved the establishment of a SENDIASS service originally in October 2014. A service duly commenced in April 2015. Joint commissioning of the SENDIASS service between the Council and the Black Country ICB has been agreed from April 2023.

Term of Contract

The Council proposes to enter into a Contract for an initial term of Three (3) years with a possible extension of a further year, subject to provision of budget. The anticipated commencement date is 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2026.

Value of Contract

The anticipated annual value of the Contract for SENDIASS Services based on current budgetary provision is estimated to be in the region of £125,000. The total maximum financial allocation is £375,000.00 for the Three (3) years. The council will have the option to extend the contract for a further 12 months subject to good performance and funding. The maximum financial allocation for the 12 months extension will be £125,000 for the period 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027. The entire duration of the Contract including the extension option is £500,000.