The aim of the service is to recruit 1 Occupational Therapy (OT) and 5 Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) professionals. This is one of the key components of the Experts at Hand model, and guidance is clear that our Experts at Hand Team must consist of SLT, OT, Educational Psychology and specialist teachers. The Provider will need to mobilise at the beginning of November 2026 and meet the specification requirements.

This is an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process to the incumbent Provider Bolton Foundation Trust. Contract Duration: One (1) year with the option for up to two (2) x one (1) year extensions. Contract value: £440,400 for year 1. Approximate value for total contract including the extension periods is £ 1,321,200 The aim of the service is to recruit 1 Occupational Therapy (OT) and 5 Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) professionals. This is one of the key components of the Experts at Hand model, and guidance is clear that our Experts at Hand Team must consist of SLT, OT, Educational Psychology and specialist teachers. Through early engagement with education settings and practitioners, SLTs can support the identification and management of speech, language and communication needs, helping to improve children's ability to access learning, develop relationships and participate fully in school life. By embedding SLT expertise within the Experts at Hand approach, schools and professionals will be better equipped to meet needs at an earlier stage, reducing escalation, strengthening ordinarily available provision and ensuring that children receive timely, coordinated support within their local communities. Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) service supports children, young people and adults who experience difficulties with communication, speech, language, social communication or swallowing. They work in people's homes schools, nurseries, health centres, family hubs and at the hospital. The Occupational Therapy Service provides intervention, support and/or advice to children, young people, and their families, where they have a difficulty which impacts on their performance and participation in activities of everyday life to help them to reach their full potential. This service will focus on mainstream school settings. Phase one of Boltons Experts at Hand work will include the following, for which will need the expertise of SLT and OT colleagues: • The delivery of speech and language training to all schools to improve their ability to identify speech and language needs early and how to support children with these needs effectively. • Engagement with the senior leaders in schools to engage in strategic planning meetings to identify current school practice and gaps in provision, analyse the information gathered from these meetings and plan for Phase two of Experts at Hand. • Support with the facilitation of solution circles for schools. • Support with environmental audits of school estates to identify capital work needed to improve the inclusivity of schools both in terms of the physical environment and the communication environment.