This contract is for Independent Mediation Service for Education, Health and Care Assessments and Reviews and Disagreement Resolution Service for Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Durham County Council is looking for a single provider to deliver this service.
It is a requirement of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years that all local authorities must have in place a mediation information and advice service which is independent of the local authority. This service will offer independent mediation to families and will provide an opportunity to resolve issues linked to requests for an Education, Health and Care Assessment and the outcome of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan Assessments / Reviews prior to families lodging an appeal with a Tribunal.
The Contract does not include any guarantee of any minimum volume of services, or any minimum expenditure.
Permitted changes that may occur:
The contract has a potential to be increased due to demand.
Any consequences of the White paper that is due to be released in Autumn 2025 that may have impact.
The Council reserves the right to amend the procurement exercise in line with PA23, s31.