Welcome to the LIIA London SEND Commissioning Hub Members’ Area
This digital hub has been established by the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA) in response to the recommendations set out in the SEND Commissioning in London report (June 2025). It is designed specifically for SEND commissioning leads working in London local authorities, providing a centralised space to access the tools, data, and resources needed to strengthen commissioning practice across the capital.
The hub supports the development of a more consistent, collaborative, and outcomes-focused approach to SEND commissioning. It brings together key documents, templates, and intelligence aligned to the MIME recommendations, enabling commissioners to:
- Benchmark costs and provision across boroughs
- Access pan-London datasets and sufficiency modelling tools
- Share and adopt best practice in market engagement and contracting
- Strengthen joint commissioning with health partners
- Stay up to date with policy, legislation, and inspection frameworks
The site is structured around five thematic areas, each reflecting the core functions of effective SEND commissioning
This is a shared resource for London’s commissioning community. It will evolve over time, with contributions from boroughs, sub-regional alliances, and sector partners. If you have materials to share or suggestions for improvement, we welcome your input.
Resource Bank:
Data, Evidence & Intelligence
In this section, you will find resources to support data-informed commissioning, including pan-London datasets, benchmarking tools, sufficiency modelling, and inspection readiness materials.
Sufficiency, Market Management & Provision
This section contains tools and guidance for shaping the SEND provider market, planning specialist provision, and commissioning alternative and independent placements.
Finance & Sustainability
Here you’ll find resources to support financial planning and value-for-money commissioning, including High Needs Block modelling, unit cost comparisons, and contract monitoring dashboards.
Partnership, Integration & Governance
This section provides templates and examples to strengthen joint commissioning, pooled budgets, and collaborative governance across education, health, and care partners.
Policy, Law & Standards
In this section, you’ll find up-to-date statutory guidance, legislation, case law summaries, and inspection frameworks to support compliant and high-quality commissioning practice.
Case Law Updates
Disclaimer for Case Law Summaries on the LIIA SEND Commissioning Hub
The case law summaries provided on this Hub are for general information and reference purposes only. They are intended to support SEND Commissioners and partner organisations in understanding the context and implications of recent legal developments relevant to commissioning and SEND provision.
- These summaries do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
- Users should seek their own independent legal advice before making decisions that have legal consequences.
- While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, LIIA does not accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or reliance placed upon the information provided.
- The inclusion of external case studies, judgments, or commentary does not imply endorsement of any law firm, legal opinion, or service
By accessing and using this information, you acknowledge that LIIA is not providing legal services and bears no liability for any actions taken (or not taken) as a result of the content
Resources on Legislation & Case Law:
- The Noddy Guide, published annually each March, offers a digestible summary of SEND case law. It’s a practical reference for commissioners to dip in and out of as needed to support decision-making. Access the Noddy Guide here.
- CDC – Providing Health Advice for EHC Needs Assessments: Statutory Duties and Practical Guidance: This document outlines the legal responsibilities and practical processes for securing timely health advice during EHC needs assessments. It’s a useful reference for commissioners working with NHS partners and health professionals. Read the Health Advice Guidance from CDC here.
- Health Duties in SEND: Legal Responsibilities and Commissioning Guidance – This factsheet outlines the statutory duties of health bodies under the Children and Families Act 2014, including responsibilities for commissioning, assessment, and provision within EHC plans. It’s a useful reference for commissioners working with NHS partners and Designated Medical/Clinical Officers. Read the Health Duties Factsheet here.
Case Law – Case Studies
- Client’s Story: 4 Year Old with Autism Secures Special School Placement After Successful Appeal
Why this is useful for commissioners: The special school appeal case shows commissioners how the law was interpreted and applied to the situations. It helps commissioners understand the statutory duties in everyday work.
Inspection frameworks – Ofsted/CQC SEND Area, ILACS, thematic reviews
HMIP Inspection
- HMIP Inspection Framework: Insights and Preparation Webinar Slides – These slides summarise key insights from the HMIP inspection framework webinar, including practical preparation tips, good practice examples, and reflections from local areas. A useful resource for commissioners preparing for Youth Justice inspections. View the HMIP Webinar Slides here.
Other LIIA Resources
Your comments and questions
- Email the named contact if you would like to upload a report
- Please contact the site administrator at administrator@liia.london if you require access for a colleague or have any other queries or comments, or alternatively visit our Get in Touch page