Sheffield Experts at Hand MDT Model; Speech, Language and Communication and Occupational Therapy Services - Market Engagement

SCC intends to procure two services. A Speech, Language and Communication support service and an Occupational Therapy support service that will: • Provide expert advice, assessment, and intervention for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and occupational therapy (OT) needs. • Support delivery of the Experts at Hand multidisciplinary team (MDT) model within education settings in line with DfE Experts at Hand Guidance . • Contribute to both direct clinical input and indirect support, including: o Workforce training and capability building. o Advice to education staff and families. o Participation in multi-agency planning.

The services will form part of a broader MDT offer alongside professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Specialist Teachers and other health professionals, enhancing capacity within the system to provide support for schools, children and their families. SLCN Model • 4 x Band 7 Speech and Language Therapists (SLT). • 7 x SLT roles currently costed at a top band 5 / bottom band 6.

Additional information: Key features include: • Co-location with education and care professionals in locality teams. • Delivery within schools and community settings. • Providing support to schools, children and families across 5 key domains: o Family support. o Environment. o Assessment. o Intervention. o Workforce development. • Working within an outcomes-focused framework. • Participation in test-and-learn cycles, adapting practice based on local and national learning. • Clinical supervision with operational delivery integrated locally. The expected workforce models currently include a mix of senior and developmental roles embedded across localities (indicative and subject to final commissioning decisions).

OT Model • 4 x Band 7 Occupational Therapists (OT). • 7 x OT roles currently costed at top of band 5 / bottom of Band 6. Additional information: Key features include: • Co-location with education and care professionals in locality teams. • Delivery within schools and community settings. • Providing support to schools, children and families across 5 key domains: o Family support. o Environment. o Assessment. o Intervention. o Workforce development. • Working within an outcomes-focused framework. • Participation in test-and-learn cycles, adapting practice based on local and national learning. • Clinical supervision with operational delivery integrated locally. The expected workforce models currently include a mix of senior and developmental roles embedded across localities (indicative and subject to final commissioning decisions).