Sensory Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy for Virtual School & Additionally Resourced Provisions

• Lot 1 Speech & Language Therapy

Demand for our mainstream speech and language therapy offer is high, meaning that waiting times are longer than we would like them to be. Due to the additional needs and circumstances experienced by children looked after, we want to provide some additional, tailored and prioritised support for this cohort of young people. This is line with our corporate parenting approach.

The aim of this contract is to provide a dedicated commissioned pathway for children looked after (CLA) to provide an initial SALT assessment and recommendations for the support required as a result. We expect to see a dedicated allocation of 4 days per month, to support Virtual School referrals. The caseload will be prioritised for action in conjunction with the Virtual School.

• Lot 2 Sensory Occupational Therapy

We currently have over 60 Children & Young People in care with an EHCP where Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) recorded as the primary need. These Young People are in various educational settings, including mainstream, special and independent schools.

Of these, 44 Young People have had concerns raised regarding sensory seeking or avoidance. These young people do not have sensory integration needs linked to a neurodivergent diagnosis, however they do present with trauma based sensory dysregulation that is impacting their readiness to access learning, having their needs met in school, stability of school placement and undoubtedly is impacting on care placement stability.

The aim of this contract is to provide a dedicated commissioned pathway for CLA to provide specialist OT sensory trauma pathway and recommendations for the support required as a result.

The commissioned OT service will also be supported by the Kirklees Council Educational Psychology team to promote trauma informed practice and help to upskill staff across schools and the Learning service.

We expect to see a dedicated allocation of 2 days per week year-round to support Virtual School referrals. The caseload will be prioritised for action in conjunction with the Virtual School.