SEND support and alternative provision for local authorities, schools and familiesReferrals: 0800 772 3464

FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES & COMMISSIONERS

A dependable partner
for every referral.

Universal Childcare delivers one-to-one SEND support, interim alternative provision and specialist tuition commissioned by local authorities. We plan, deliver and report on each placement, so you have a clear picture of attendance and progress at every stage.

TEAMS WE WORK WITH

Provision for the duties
you’re responsible for.

From statutory SEND provision to Section 19 duties and Virtual School support.

SEND and EHCP teams

Interim provision while a placement is found, EOTIS packages set out in Section F of an EHCP, and support alongside a school place.

Inclusion and Section 19 teams

Suitable education for children who can’t attend school because of illness, exclusion or other reasons.

Exclusions and Fair Access

Education from the sixth day of a permanent exclusion, and support for learners between schools or new to the area.

Virtual Schools

Tuition and mentoring for children looked after and previously looked after, linked to Personal Education Plan targets.

Schools and academies

Off-site or in-school support for pupils at risk of exclusion, struggling to attend or needing to catch up.

WHO WE SUPPORT

The learners you
refer to us.

Children and young people from early years to post-16, referred by local authorities, Virtual Schools, schools and families.

01

Learners with an EHCP awaiting a placement

Interim education that keeps learning, routine and relationships going while a suitable school or college place is found.

02

Children unable to attend because of health needs

Including anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), where a local authority is arranging education under Section 19.

03

Young people excluded or at risk of exclusion

Education from the sixth day of an exclusion, or targeted support that helps a pupil keep their school place.

04

Children missing education

Learners who are new to an area, between schools or without a school place, who need education in place while longer-term arrangements are made.

05

Children looked after

Tuition and mentoring commissioned by Virtual Schools to close gaps, build stability and support Personal Education Plan targets.

06

Learners moving between settings

A bridge into a new school, specialist provision, college or training, with handover information for the receiving setting.

FOR COMMISSIONERS

What every placement
includes.

Clear planning and reporting, so local authorities, schools and families always know how a placement is going.

Initial assessment

We start with the referral information, the learner’s views and an assessment of their starting point, interests and barriers to learning.

An individual learning plan

A written plan setting out what will be taught, where and when, with SMART targets linked to EHCP outcomes or Personal Education Plan targets.

Session records

Attendance and engagement are recorded for every session, so you always know whether the provision is being accessed.

Progress reports

Written updates against agreed targets at intervals agreed with you, plus contributions to annual reviews and planning meetings when requested.

Risk assessment

Each placement is risk assessed before sessions begin, covering the learner, the venue and any travel, and reviewed when circumstances change.

A named contact

One point of contact for the referrer, family and professionals, who can attend professionals’ meetings and keep everyone informed.

THE REFERRAL PROCESS

From referral to
a plan that works.

A clear process, with nothing agreed until you have a written proposal.

  1. 01

    Make a referral

    Complete our referral form or call us. Tell us about the learner’s needs, their current education and what you’d like the placement to achieve.

  2. 02

    Consultation

    We discuss the referral with you, receive the EHCP and other documents through a secure route, and listen to the learner and their family.

  3. 03

    Proposal

    You receive a written proposal setting out hours, location, delivery and costs. Nothing starts until it’s agreed.

  4. 04

    Matching and planning

    We match the learner with a tutor or mentor with relevant experience, complete the risk assessment and agree targets.

  5. 05

    Start, review and transition

    Sessions begin with a focus on trust and engagement. Progress is reported and reviewed, with a plan for the learner’s next step.

BEFORE YOU REFER

Helpful to have ready.

  • The reason for the referral and the outcomes you’d like the placement to achieve
  • The learner’s key stage and general area
  • The EHCP, One Plan or other support plan, if there is one
  • Recent attendance and education history
  • Known risks and the professionals involved
  • The hours and start date you have in mind

Sharing information securely

Please use the website form for an initial outline only, without names or identifying details. Once we’ve been in touch, we’ll agree a secure route for referral documents such as EHCPs, reports and risk assessments.

Start a referral

HAVE A LEARNER IN MIND?

Let’s talk about the
right next step.

Refer a learnerOr call 0800 772 3464

A little about cookies

This website does not set optional analytics or advertising cookies. The enquiry and referral forms do not need cookies to work.

Fonts are loaded from Google Fonts. For more information about data used by the site, read our privacy notice.