Support service for Parent Carers of Children and Young People (CYP), aged 0-25 years, with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The Borough Council of Calderdale (the "Council") is commissioning a support service for Parent Carers of children and young people (CYP), aged 0 to 25 years old, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (the "Service"). For the purposes of this contract the term 'Parent Carer' is meant as an inclusive term. It encompasses parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, corporate parents, or anyone with parental responsibility caring for CYP with SEND, regardless of whether the CYP has been formally assessed or diagnosed with SEND. The value of a SEND Parent Carer support service is recognised by the Council. It is an important element of the Council's SEND provision and supports the Council to deliver to key principles as described in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (2015). The Service will be funded by the Council's Children and Young People's Directorate and Public Health. The Contract is for 3 years starting from and including 1st April 2024, with an option to extend by a further period or periods of up to 2 years. Scope The Service will form part Calderdale's SEND offer. It is a discretionary service that supports the Council to deliver to several key principles as defined in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (2015) including expectations around consulting with families, effective participation, the importance of Parent Carer Forums, and the provision of information, advice, and support. The Service will focus on delivering better outcomes for families living with SEND by providing Parent Carers with a support service that facilitates: • a peer support network • a Parent Carer Forum (PCF), currently known as Family Voice Calderdale • training • communication, information, and Parent Carer engagement. The Provider will make the Service available for parent carers of CYP aged 0 to 25 years with SEND, regardless of whether the CYP has been formally assessed or diagnosed with SEND,