URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5030

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Committee considered a report which reported the SEND reforms, including the Experts at Hand model which formed part of a nationally led programme of transformation and change aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.   Members were advised that funding for the programme would be provided to local authorities through a grant from the Department for Education. The grant was required to be spent in accordance with its terms and conditions and for the purpose of developing the Experts at Hand model as described by the Department for Education. Local authorities, together with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), would act as the lead accountable partners for local planning and implementation, working closely with partners across health, care and education.   The report outlined the development of the programme and progress made to date. Approval was sought for the delegation of authority to the Strategic Director of Children's Services to approve expenditure and commissioning arrangements within the parameters of the guidance, enabling implementation of the programme plans to commence.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a)    Acknowledge the £4,304,713 Department of Education Grant allocation awarded to Sheffield City Council for the purpose of implementing the Experts at Hand programme. b)    Delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder and Section 151 Officer, to take all necessary actions to implement the programme and allocate funding in accordance with the DFE terms and conditions, and approved programme objectives. c)    Approve the commencement of commissioning activity for delivery of the programme, in alignment with grant criteria with an estimated contract value of up to £1.7 million, and delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Children’s Services to award and enter into the resulting contract(s) following completion of the procurement process, ensuring that we comply with the general principle of open and transparent decision making and the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The paper outlined the development and plans to date for implementation of Experts at Hand as part of the SEND reforms, and requests delegated authority to approve funding and commissioning plans within the parameters of the guidance to the Strategic Director of Children’s Services.     10.3.2 It was noted that Sheffield City Council was expected to develop SEND services in line with the national policy direction for which the grant had been allocated.     10.3.3 Members heard that the programme aligned with the ambitions already agreed within the SEND Strategy and provided Sheffield with an opportunity to implement improvements at pace.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 It was noted that the Council could decide not to accept the grant and not to proceed with the reforms. However, this option was not recommended, as the programme represented a significant opportunity to build on existing provision and deliver improvements to the SEND system in Sheffield.      

Date of Decision: June 26, 2026