The Council has decided to approve a contract for therapy services to support children with special educational needs in mainstream schools.

URL: https://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3553

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   That Cabinet:   1)    Notes the new SEND reforms and accept the Department for Education SEND reforms grant for a three-year period ending 2029/2030.   2)    Approves an award of contract to Constellia Public Ltd, for the commissioning of a provider to deliver Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy capacity, as an alternative to direct recruitment. This approach is recommended to ensure timely implementation, flexibility, and access to a specialist workforce. The contract value will be up to £1.5 million per annum for a period of three years, totalling up to £4.5 million over the contract term.   3)    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, for the implementation of these therapy services, including the award of any contracts, and any variations in line with procurement regulations and the Council’s standing orders.   Reasons for decision   The Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health and Care introduced a report seeking approval to commission therapy services as part of the Government’s Expert at Hand SEND initiative, which aimed to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities within mainstream schools. It was explained that the programme aligned closely with Hillingdon’s existing focus on early intervention, inclusion and supporting schools to meet needs at the earliest opportunity.   The proposal involved appointing Constellia to undertake a competitive procurement process for specialist speech and language therapy and occupational therapy services. This approach would enable the programme to be operational by the start of the 2026/27 academic year and avoid recruitment challenges affecting therapy services nationally. The model would provide dedicated therapists working across school clusters, focusing on early intervention, staff training, classroom support and whole-school approaches rather than individual casework alone.   The Cabinet Member advised that the contract would be fully funded through a ring-fenced Department for Education grant, creating no additional pressure on Council budgets. The initiative was expected to strengthen mainstream inclusion, improve schools’ ability to support SEND pupils and reduce reliance on specialist placements through earlier intervention.   The Corporate Director of Children’s Services welcomed the opportunity to implement a fully funded service that complemented the Council’s SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy. The Corporate Director noted that the service would be integrated within existing locality arrangements and would help ensure more children could be supported successfully in their local schools and communities.   The Leader of the Council welcomed the report as a positive example of partnership working, bringing together education, health and specialist expertise to strengthen support for children and young people with SEND while making effective use of available funding.   Cabinet approved the recommendations, including minor amendment to one recommendation, set out on an addendum to the report.   Alternative options considered and rejected   Cabinet rejected alternative options to ensure the new SEND support services could be introduced in time for the Autumn Term and meet new reform requirements.   Relevant Committee Children, Families, Health & Care Expiry date for any scrutiny call-in / date decision can be implemented (if no call-in) Cabinet’s decisions on this matter can be called in by a majority of the Committee by 5pm, Friday 31 July 2026. If not called-in by then, Cabinet’s decisions can then be implemented. Officer(s) to action Abi Preston / Gary Binstead Directorate Children’s Services Classification Public - The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge    

Date of Decision: July 23, 2026