
Regional ISPs collaborative arrangementsThe SE and London Independent Specialist Providers (ISPs), working with Action for Inclusion, are pro-actively developing partnership work with local providers to offer specialist assessments, bespoke support and offers to young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in their home areas whilst continuing to share their experience and expertise to support workforce development. This is enabling ISPs to reach out to many more beneficiaries. Collaborative work between the SE regional Independent ISPs and mainstream providers commenced with the launch of Action for Inclusion in 2006. The Strategic network in the SE region, made up of the 9 SE ISPs and 2 London ISPs, has strengthened over the last 4 years. This network is enabling a collaborative approach to a range of common and current issues, including: strategic planning, funding, the assessment framework, engagement with the regional planning group, and Local Authorities; curriculum review and development and improving access to employment for learners. Action for Inclusion in the SE has been identified as a model of best practice and is addressing many of the recommendations highlighted in the Ofsted LDD Review (September 2010). Its approach focuses on the best provision to meet each learner’s needs in the right place, at the right time with the right interventions, rather than focussing on a sole provider. Partnership provision can and does bring the best offer together, shares expertise and experience, builds confidence and is more cost effective. Initially this was led by Treloar College, who piloted capacity building and sharing experience by setting up a sub regional multidisciplinary assessment service. (see Specialist Learner Assessments.) This work developed as a partnership arrangement between a number of ISPs and grew into a service across the whole region which was able to reach far more beneficiaries. The portfolio of collaborative services extended further in summer 2009 when a mobile assistive technology unit took to the road and it provides assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities in and around the region. Westgate College in Kent, has now added specialist assessments and day provision to their offer and Treloars now has block residential placements for learners in GFE’s to develop their independent living skills. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information. |

