Children's Services

CASE STUDIES

Surrey County Council - Commissioning Model for Home to School Transport

By reshaping commissioning practices and reviewing transport systems, Surrey County Council achieved £3.5m in planned savings, £600k through mileage rate changes, and a 7% overall cost reduction.

Cumberland Council - SEND Inspection Diagnostic Support

Cumberland Council strengthened its inspection readiness, unified strategic priorities, and adopted over 30 system-wide improvements—enhancing EHCP quality, multi-agency working, and co-production ahead of its upcoming SEND inspection.

Southend-on-Sea City Council - Strategic Commissioning and Brokerage Review

A review of Southend-on-Sea City Council’s commissioning and brokerage function identified over £4 million in savings, improved placement decision-making, and delivered immediate and long-term improvements to outcomes for children and young people.

Somerset Council - Transforming Children’s Services: Reducing Costs and Improving Outcomes

A focused review of Children’s Services led to an £11m savings plan, £4m in new health funding, and a transformation programme improving collaboration, service delivery, and financial oversight.

Gloucestershire County Council - SEND Joint Commissioning and Complex Care

Gloucestershire developed a clear, collaborative Joint Commissioning Strategy and defined its complex needs cohort, enabling more effective, joined-up support for children and young people and achieving improved outcomes with greater cost-efficiency.

Wokingham Borough Council - Securing Stability and SEND Outcomes Through the Safety Valve Programme

Wokingham Borough Council secured a £20m Safety Valve agreement by reshaping partnership governance, reducing EHCP requests by 15%, improving support for children with SEND, and fully achieving Accelerated Progress Plan goals.

Torbay Council - Co-Production of Early Help Model

A co-produced Early Help Model in Torbay strengthened local partnerships, established a Hub and Spoke delivery network, and supported the Council’s journey from “Inadequate” to “Good” by improving coordination, reducing referrals, and enhancing outcomes for children and families.

Gateshead Council - Home-to-School Transport SEND Review

A comprehensive review of Gateshead’s SEND Home-to-School Transport identified policy updates, technology improvements, and alternative delivery options, achieving around 9% savings while ensuring future service sustainability.

Sefton Council - Implementing the Conversational Model in the Front Door

Implementing the Conversational Model at Sefton’s Front Door improved partner communication, streamlined decision-making, and reduced delays, leading to more proportionate responses and positive feedback from practitioners.

Manchester City Council - Home to School Transport SEND Review

Peopletoo reviewed Home to School transport provision, identifying measurable improvements including potential savings of around £180k through better vehicle utilisation, a target 5% increase in PTB uptake, a more balanced operating model, and re-tendering of routes using a refreshed DPS.

CASE STUDIES