The DfE has now issued a press notice on the new Experts at Hand guidance and the membership of the Expert Panel to oversee the development of the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/local-areas-prepare-new-experts-at-hand-teams
The Experts at Hand guidance, as anticipated, contains some very positive opportunities for extending support from specialist SI services. Specialist teaching and other related roles are specifically covered in the guidelines.
There is a lot of content, but some of the key points for the sector are;
- SI roles are mentioned at several points, making it clear that they are included in this funding
- The focus is on enhancing existing provision at tiers 1 and 2 in the new framework and working with and through existing teaching and support staff in settings
- There is specific guidance on the type of support envisaged, but there is a strong emphasis on group-based or cohort-led support
- The funding should be additional to and not replace existing provision generally or be used to support provision within an EHCP
- Funding should be commissioned jointly with ICBs
- 90% should be spent on direct delivery for settings, staff, and children, which raises questions about whether it will be available to enhance workforce training to any significant extent
- Emphasis on promoting joint working and early intervention.
The full guidance can be accessed here.