Post‑16 Toolkit – Working with Outside Agencies
Post‑16 providers may need to draw on specialist services to support young people with identified or emerging SEND needs. Staffordshire’s Local Offer provides a comprehensive directory of services, contact details, referral forms, and the ability to filter by locality and service type (e.g., NHS or private providers).
Services accessible through local referral pathways include:
- Educational Psychology Service
- Entrust
- Speech and language Therapy
- Autism Outreach Team
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- SENDIASS - Family Partnership
- Community Paediatric Team in North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire
- Autism Assessment Service in North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire
- Visual Impairment Team
- Hearing Impairment Team
- EHC Hub
- Adult Health Services
- The Council for Disabled Children provides more information about support and advice available that is outside your local area (page 5 of Section 8).
The page also links to resources from the Council for Disabled Children, signposting further advice beyond Staffordshire.
These pathways ensure that post‑16 providers can swiftly access specialist support where additional assessment, intervention or multi‑agency involvement is required.
Guidance for Working Together with Outside Agencies
The SEND Code of Practice emphasises that colleges must have access to external specialist services and expertise. These may include educational psychologists, CAMHS teams, specialist teachers, therapists, and supported employment services, who can be involved at any stage to advise on meeting a student’s needs.
Where a student is not making expected progress despite purposeful action taken under the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, providers should consider requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA). Colleges must remain ambitious for young people with SEND—supporting their progression into employment, further training, independent living, good health, and participation in community life.
When to involve outside agencies
Outside or specialist agencies may be consulted when:
- There are significant concerns regarding a young person’s learning or development
- Expected progress is not being made despite targeted interventions within the graduated approach
Expectations when external professionals visit the setting
Providers must ensure that:
- Visitors are qualified, accredited and insured
- Advice and strategies provided are practical, outcome‑focused, and shared with all relevant staff
- Educational Psychologists are registered with HCPC, checked via the HCPC register
- Informed consent is obtained when appropriate
- Recommendations are implemented and reviewed as part of the APDR cycle
Multi‑agency communication and safeguarding considerations
Effective joint working relies on timely information‑sharing, clarity around roles, and proactive communication between agencies. Professionals should actively seek, share and clarify information needed to safeguard and support young people, ensuring high‑quality, coordinated provision.
