Award of Specialist Providers and Further Education Placements For Post-16 High Needs Students

AWARD ONLY Local authorities are responsible for commissioning and contracting for learning provision for Post-16 High Needs Students. A number of specialist placements are made with Specialist Providers and Further Education Colleges for students requiring high levels of additional learning support. The placements are made to meet specific and complex educational, medical and, in some cases, related social care needs. With respect to Specialist Providers the waiver is requested only for placements that fall outside the NE12 arrangements. Each year there are approximately 90 High Needs Learners in this type of provision, with the majority being placed in Further Education Colleges. All placements are made in appropriate settings in line with Education Health and Care Plans and the SEND Code of Practice. These providers are registered with Ofsted and overseen by the Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA). The Local Authority complies with the ESFA's High Needs Funding Guidance which is published on the ESFA website and refreshed annually. Placements are made on the basis of the provider being able to meet the assessed needs of the student with priority being given to placing students in locally based provision and minimising the need for expensive out of area placements. The maximum duration of a placement in post-16 education for these learners is usually 3 years. Annual progression against outcomes is measured to assess continuation from one year to the next. This process is part of the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities associated with reviewing EHC Plans which is set down in the SEND Code of Practice.