Procurement description
West Northamptonshire Council is undertaking a market engagement exercise to better understand the current provider market for the delivery of Education Otherwise Than in School (EOTIS) Coordinator Services. We are seeking to identify organisations with the experience and capacity to support children, young people, and families in West Northamptonshire through the provision of this service.
The purpose of this engagement is to raise awareness of the opportunity and engage with organisations that currently provide similar services, or that could develop and deliver them in the future. Through this process, the Council aims to expand the range and diversity of providers available to support children and young people accessing EOTIS provision.
The EOTIS Coordinator will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring all aspects of a child or young person's EOTIS package. This may include arranging and overseeing provision such as tuition, therapies, vocational activities, and enrichment opportunities. The role will ensure that support is appropriate, delivered consistently, and aligned with the provision and outcomes set out in the child or young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The EOTIS Coordinator will:
• Coordinate educational, health, therapeutic, and other support services.
• Work collaboratively with alternative provisions, families, professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor attendance, engagement, progress, and outcomes across all elements of provision.
• Support children and young people through key transition points.
• Ensure provision is delivered in line with statutory requirements and agreed outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and provide reports and information as required by the Local Authority.
Organisations delivering EOTIS Coordination Services must be able to allocate a dedicated EOTIS Coordinator, or case manager, to each child or young person. The level of support required and the number of hours allocated will vary depending on individual needs and family circumstances.
Providers must ensure that staff:
• Have undergone a comprehensive safer recruitment process in accordance with statutory guidance, including the appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks, are suitable to work with children and young people, and possess the necessary qualifications, skills, experience, and safeguarding knowledge to undertake the EOTIS Coordinator role effectively and safely.
• Have a strong understanding of SEND, EHCP processes, and the statutory framework relating to EOTIS arrangements.
• Have experience of multi-agency working, case management, and coordinating complex packages of support.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and training required to commission, arrange, and manage a range of specialist services, including (but not limited to) academic tuition, therapeutic interventions, and enrichment activities.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, procedures, and local protocols, ensuring that any concerns relating to the welfare of children and young people are promptly identified, accurately recorded, and escalated through the appropriate channels.