SEND Local Offer Platform
A co-designed, accessible digital platform enabling local authorities to publish, manage and share SEND information and services.
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
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hosting and infrastructure | Cloud-based. UK-based data storage. Green energy. |
| Integration capabilities | OFSTED childcare feed integration (optional). Compatible with local authority CRM and case management systems. API access for third-party integrations. |
| Accessibility | WCAG 2.2 AA compliant. Screen-reader compatible. Adjustable text sizes and colour contrast options. |
| Security | GDPR-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.