Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice & Support Service (SENDIASS)

The Council invites organisations to submit a tender for the provision of Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

To support children and young people with SEND and their families who may be seeking information, advice and support service between families and the Council.

The provider must arrange for Croydon's children with SEN or disabilities, and their parents, and Croydon's young people with SEN or disabilities, to be provided with information and advice about matters relating to their SEN or disabilities, including matters relating to health and social care. This must include information, advice and support on the take-up and management of Personal Budgets. In addition, they must have regard to the importance of providing children and their parents and young people with the information and support necessary to participate in making decisions about their care.

As set out in the SEND Code of Practice it is best practice that SENDIASS and Mediation services should not be provided by the same supplier in order to ensure maximum objectivity across the two distinct areas of service provision.

The SEND Framework / SEN Code of Practice (CoP 2.4 & 2.5) states: The SENDIASS has its own identity and branding and is a dedicated and easily identifiable service. It is, and is seen to be, separate from other LA services and functions.

THE COUNCIL WILL ONLY SEEK TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO A PROVIDER FOR THE PROVISION OF SENDIASS WHO IS NOT CURRENTLY PROVIDING MEDIATION SERVICES IN CROYDON.

The Contract, shall be for a period of two years with an option to extend for a further one year ( 2+1) at the Council's sole discretion

The anticipated contract start date will be no later than the 1st June 2021.

This procurement is to establish a single supplier who is experienced and qualified in the delivery of SENDIASS. Tenderers can apply by completing the documents via the London Tenders Portal.

The Council requires the successful Service Providers to comply with the London Living Wage.

All potential suppliers are advised to read the supporting documents listed on the London Tenders portal, prior to responding to the invitation to tender.

Additional information: This procurement falls within the "light touch regime" applicable to the procurement of contracts for social and other specific services, as set out in Regulations 74 to 76 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (Regulations). The Council is orientating this procurement towards an adapted open procedure as described in Regulation 27 of the Regulations but using a "light touch" approach. The Council does not hold itself bound by the Regulations except to the extent that they apply to the light touch regime as set out in Regulations 74 to 76 of the Regulations.;

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