Commissioning Newsletter - August 2020
The information provided is the latest commissioning service update. If you would like previous versions, please contact cflc.commissioningteam@surreycc.gov.uk
- Message from director of commissioning
- Department for Education Guidance
- Catch-Up Fund
- Data Collection
- Changes to EHCP Legislation
- Webinar on mental health
- New Children's Commissioner Report
- Views of children and young people during COVID
- Coronavirus information and advice from Surrey County Council
A message from the Director of Commissioning
Dear partners,
I want to start by thanking you for the tireless work you have been putting in since March, to support children and families across Surrey. We have really valued the way you have worked with us during this period and we look forward to continuing to build strong relationships as we head into September. This represents a significant milestone for many of us, with the full re-opening of many schools and early years settings, alongside the ramping up of delivery in many other services. There will inevitably be challenges and further changes as we go through this next phase, so please do stay in touch with your contacts and SCC and in the Commissioning Team. By working together closely in this period we will be best placed to respond to developments when they happen and enable the best possible outcomes for the groups we are working with.
Best wishes, Hayley Connor Director – Commissioning, CFLC
Department for Education Guidance Hub
Overall guidance from Department for Education for early years providers has recently been updated and can be found here. This link is now the main information page for all early years and childcare settings and branches off to other relevant guidance where required. It includes, for example, information on funding, infection control and prevention in children's settings.
Guidance has been released by the Department for Education (DfE) on the re-opening of schools and colleges in the autumn term. This also covers the process each setting should follow in the event of a local outbreak though we are aware providers will have their own protocols in place already.
If you have a query about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to schools and other educational establishments, and children's social care,in England contact the DfE helpline. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday - Telephone 0800 046 8687
If you work in a school, please have your unique reference number (URN or UK PRN) available when calling the helpline.
COVID-19 Catch-up Premium
Information for schools on the universal catch-up premium for the upcoming year and the National Tutoring Programme has been recently updated. Though aimed at mainstream and specialist school provision, the information (especially on use of funds) may be of interest to other partners.
Data Collection
The Department for Education (DfE) has released a comprehensive list of data collections which providers are expected to continue and those which are expected to pause or be cancelled for the upcoming year.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Process
The Department for Education (DfE) has released guidance on temporary legislative changes relating to EHCPs as a result of COVID-19
Webinars on Children and Young People's (CYP) Mental Health
Surrey and Borders Partnership, the provider of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Surrey, have uploaded a number of webinars for parents on supporting children and young people through lockdown and also the return to school which may be of interest to practitioners and providers.
Children's Commissioner Report
The Children's Commissioner has published a briefing, titled "Putting children first in future lockdowns", which looks at what actions are needed to ensure that children are at the heart of planning for future lockdowns.
Views of CYP during COVID-19
A joint report by Surrey Youth Focus and the User Voice and Participation Team at Surrey County Council called COVID 19: Listening to children and young people in Surrey, has been compiled to examine the positives and negatives of lockdown for nearly 200 young people in Surrey.
Reminder: Coronavirus information and advice from Surrey County Council
For up to date advice and information, Ways to stay connected while you're self-isolating, as well as guidance around health,wellbeing and scams visit the dedicated Surrey County Council coronavirus webpages.
