Occupational Therapy and Inclusion Service for Children with SEND

Norfolk County Council is procuring an Occupational Therapy, Inclusion and Participation Service to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in mainstream educational settings. The 'Experts at Hand' programme embeds specialist occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and specialist teachers into early years, primary, secondary, and post-16 settings to provide early identification of need, workforce development, and evidence-based support within everyday learning environments. This procurement seeks qualified organisations to deliver occupational therapy expertise and targeted interventions to help more children and young people with emerging or identified SEND flourish in mainstream settings. The initial contract runs until 31 March 2029, with a potential extension of up to three additional years subject to future funding availability. The total value for the initial term is £3,829,100 (FY 2026/27: £835,260; FY 2027/28: £1,474,800; FY 2028/29: £1,519,040). Contract award is anticipated for 20 January 2027, with service delivery commencing 22 February 2027. This procurement is being conducted under regulation 11 of the Provider Selection Regime in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.