Purpose

A review of the SEND Workforce Development Service
confirmed that the face-to-face SEND/AP Hub training is a
specialist, discrete element of the service and is essential to
support the effective implementation of the SEND and AP Hub
model.
The Corporate Training Framework provides a compliant and
proportionate commissioning route that:
• enables access to a wider market of suitably qualified
providers,
• supports flexibility in delivery aligned to Hub rollout
timelines, and
• allows the current delivery practitioner(s) to be
considered should they choose to register on the
framework.
Separating this element from the online learning offer ensures
the commissioning model reflects how the service operates in
practice and improves flexibility, value for money and
responsiveness to local need.
This approach supports the objectives of the Better Belonging
Strategy, the SEND and AP Improvement Plan, and the need to
maintain consistency and quality in workforce preparation for
SEND/AP Hubs.

Decision

That the Executive Director of Children’s Services approves:
• the separation of the face-to-face SEND/AP Hub training
element of the SEND Workforce Development Service,
and
• the commissioning of SEND/AP Hub face-to-face
training via call-off from the Council’s Corporate Training
Framework, once live.
•
The training will be commissioned on a flexible, annual basis,
aligned to the phased rollout of SEND and AP Hubs under the
Better Belonging Strategy.
The estimated value of face-to-face training will be c.£81,000
per annum, based on curren

Alternative options considered

• Continuing delivery via a single combined agreement
was considered but rejected, as this no longer reflects
the distinct delivery requirements of face-to-face training
versus online content maintenance.
• Direct award outside of a framework was considered but
rejected due to the availability of a compliant framework
route that provides greater transparency and market
access.