·        Intelligent provision planning: Strategic and operational planning activity needed. Involve all providers

·        Better commissioning: Should mean – effective EHCP’s in place, with early FE-based input on which to rely. Outcomes not inputs. Earlier placements confirmed ideally in advance of 31 March

·        Improved transitions for young people 

o   “into” post-16 provision: Meet the Code requirement for a “key worker”. Build young people’s / families’ confidence in non-school options at 16 early, reduce late switches and no/shows. Actual transitions to post-16 can only start when the next placement confirmed – 31 March really is last possible date

o   “out of” post 16 provision: Must be planned and phased. Education needs to be allowed to step back and others including Health need to step up 

o   LA Input: Identifying proposed outcomes, regularly reviewing and amending, Attend annual reviews (if only!). End of programme review – were outcomes achieved 

·        New approaches to contracts and funding 

o   A differentiated model. The need for greater and earlier certainty for all parties including the young person. Reduced administration, especially for multi-LA providers, reduce instability and delay for smaller providers.

o   How to get there: Differentiated contract / funding models including “block” funding where possible. Link to planning relationship. Guaranteed funding in advance, subject to necessary caveats, linked to review of outcomes, in-year reconciliation to actual, risk sharing

o   Is a new HN dedicated /ring-fenced disadvantage block possible ?