SEND Local Offer Platform

A co-designed, accessible digital platform enabling local authorities to publish, manage and share SEND information and services.

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Service overview

Key use cases

  • Publishing and managing statutory SEND Local Offer information in compliance with the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and OFSTED requirements.
  • Creating customised mini-sites for specific audiences (for example, Preparing for Adulthood, Care Leavers).
  • Centralising and managing directories of organisations, services, and events.
  • Facilitating multi-agency collaboration and information sharing across health, education, and social care sectors.
  • Providing accessible, up-to-date, and user-friendly information to parent carers, young people, and professionals.

Target users

  • Local authority SEND teams and multi-agency partners.
  • Parent carers and young people with SEND.
  • Professionals working in education, health, and social care sectors.

Key features

  • Separate Local Offer websites with unique URLs. Enables distinct sites for different audiences (for example, Adults, Early Years) with tailored content and branding.
  • Co-designed and localised interface. Developed in collaboration with young people, parent carers, and professionals to ensure relevance and usability.
  • Colour-coded sections. Clear visual organisation for Education, Health, Social Care, and Preparing for Adulthood content.
  • Filterable and shareable directory. Comprehensive listings of services, organisations, and events with advanced filtering and sharing capabilities.
  • Mini-sites for specialised audiences. Customisable sections for specific groups such as Care Leavers or young people transitioning to adulthood.
  • Real-time news feed and events listings. Dynamic updates to keep users informed of the latest developments and opportunities.
  • Step-by-step guides. Detailed walkthroughs for complex processes (for example, Education, Health and Care Plan applications).
  • Accessible publication pages. Dedicated spaces for important documents such as SEND strategies, policies, and reports.
  • Nested pages with breadcrumbs. Intuitive navigation structure to enhance user experience.
  • Privacy-friendly analytics. Data collection and analysis that respects user privacy and complies with GDPR.
  • Optional OFSTED childcare feed integration. Seamless incorporation of OFSTED childcare data where applicable.

Key benefits

  • User empowerment through co-design. Ensures content and features reflect real user needs, promoting engagement and ownership.
  • Reduced administrative burden. Centralised directories and automated updates save time and resources for local authorities.
  • Compliance with SEND legislation and OFSTED standards. Meets statutory requirements and inspection frameworks.
  • Accessibility and inclusivity. WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and user-friendly design ensure access for all users, including those with disabilities.
  • Time savings through content support and automation. Ongoing content maintenance and real-time updates reduce manual effort.
  • Enhanced user experience. Intuitive navigation, clear visual cues, and interactive elements improve engagement.
  • Improved information dissemination. Real-time news and events keep users informed and engaged.
  • Cost-effective solution. Flexible pricing models and scalable features provide value for money.
  • Comprehensive support and training. Users and administrators can fully use the platform's capabilities.
  • Data security and privacy. GDPR-compliant data handling and encryption protect sensitive information.

Technical specifications

AspectDescription
Hosting and infrastructureCloud-based. UK-based data storage. Green energy.
Integration capabilitiesOFSTED childcare feed integration (optional). Compatible with local authority CRM and case management systems. API access for third-party integrations.
AccessibilityWCAG 2.2 AA compliant. Screen-reader compatible. Adjustable text sizes and colour contrast options.
SecurityGDPR-compliant data handling. Privacy-friendly analytics (no third-party tracking). Role-based access control.

Compliance and standards

  • Legislative compliance. SEND Code of Practice 2015, Equality Act 2010 (accessibility), UK GDPR, and Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Standards met. WCAG 2.2 AA, G-Cloud 15 framework requirements, Cyber Essentials certification.

Service management

  • Onboarding. Typical timeline of 4 to 6 weeks. Includes project scoping, prototype co-production, design, and content co-production.
  • Ongoing support. Weekly technical and organisational meetings. Dedicated account manager. 24-hour SLA for critical issues.
  • Content support. Optional add-on services for content updates, maintenance, and further development.
  • Training. Online tutorials, live sessions, and comprehensive documentation for administrators and users.

Pricing

  • Pricing model. Subscription-based (monthly/annual) or one-time setup fee with ongoing costs.
  • Cost tiers. Base package includes core features. Add-ons available for content support, OFSTED feed integration, and mini-sites.
  • Example costs. Available on request or via custom quote based on specific requirements.
  • Discounts. Possible discounts for multi-year contracts or bulk purchases.

Case studies

  • Example implementation. The Calderdale SEND Local Offer site shows the platform's capability to deliver a comprehensive, user-friendly, and compliant Local Offer.
  • Testimonials and references. Available upon request, highlighting user satisfaction and improved engagement.

Data and security

  • Data handling. User data collected, stored, and processed in compliance with GDPR and UK data protection laws. Data retention policies apply.

Terms and conditions

  • Contract length. Minimum 12 months.
  • Termination clause. 30 days' notice period.
  • Data ownership. Local authorities retain full ownership of all content and data.

Additional information

  • Scalability. Platform supports addition of new mini-sites and features as needs evolve.
  • Future developments. Roadmap includes AI chatbots, mobile app integration, and enhanced analytics.
  • Customer references. Contact details for existing clients available on request.

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