Forthcoming redesign of NCC's Medical Needs Alternative Provision Offer

Norfolk County Council Children's Services are undertaking a comprehensive whole system redesign of the medical needs offer over the next 12 months. This work will be carried out in co-production with schools and health colleagues through several workshops early in the autumn term. 

Why this is happening: 

Norfolk County Council is committed to ensuring that all children and young people receive the right support at the right time. We have identified opportunities to improve how we assess, support, and reintegrate pupils with medical needs, particularly those with social emotional and mental health (SEMH) or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This redesign aims to create a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable model that better supports children, families, schools, and professionals across the system. 

What the redesign will focus on: 

The project will be delivered in three key phases: 

1. Design (Autumn 2025 - Jan 2026): 

• Define clear entry points into the service, including the role of health professionals and schools. 
• Develop an assessment phase to support early intervention and shared responsibility. 
• Co-design the model with schools, children, and partners. 

1. Costing (Jan - April 2026): 

• Map current spend and resources. 
• Assess funding options and commissioning needs. 
• Develop a business case and benefit tracking framework. 

1. Prepare (April - Sept 2026): 

• Implement the redesigned model. 
• Finalise policies, procedures, and communications. 
• Recruit and train additional resources as needed. 

Engagement and Next Steps: 

We will be holding a series of workshops with schools, health colleagues, and internal teams to shape the model collaboratively. These sessions will cover vision-setting, assessment and gateway design, consultation pathways, and place-based provision. 

We are committed to ensuring this redesign is co-produced, evidence-informed, and responsive to the needs of our children and young people. 

For further information please contact Nicki Rider, Assistant Director SEND and AP Strategy and Sufficiency