NHS Calderdale CCG - The Provision of a Pre-School Children's ASD (Expressions of Interest)

NHS Calderdale CCG (CCCG) is seeking to commission additional interim capacity experienced in carrying out multi-agency Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments and child developmental needs for those on the pre-school children's waiting list held by Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust.

This capacity must include qualified and experienced professionals who adhere to good practice and NICE guidelines.

We are looking for capacity to commence February/March 2021.

This is due to the implications of delivering services within a hospital setting due to the ongoing COVID situation and ongoing increase in the demand for assessments, resulting in the increase in waiting times for this cohort.

There are circa 100 children on the pre-school children's waiting list (due to the timeframe, some children will be aged between 5&6).

Consequently, CCCG would like to support children, parents/carers and families by commissioning additional ASD capacity commencing from February/March 2021.

Requirements The service will; • Be in contact with families of children with the longest wait times to offer them an 'opt-in' option to have their child's assessment via another provider. • Be provided from Calderdale and wider community venues in line with COVID-19 regulations. • Ensure appropriate patient data is shared with the provider (in accordance with data protection) to enable a seamless transition from the Trust waiting list to the interim provider.

This will be shared once the opt-in approval has been received by the child's parent/carer.

The Provider(s) will ensure; • Appropriate Clinical oversight is provided for the service. • The venue meets required safety, quality, infection, prevention and control standards and is child friendly. • Staff providing the services are suitably qualified (in accordance to NICE Guidance) and competent and that appropriate arrangements are in place for maintaining and updating relevant skills and knowledge for supervision. • All premises and equipment used for the provision of service are at all times suitable for the delivery of those services and sufficient to meet the needs of children.