DSPL4 works collaboratively to manage resources in a transparent way, to meet local needs and achieve best outcomes.

The purpose of Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL) is to ensure that the needs of children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) are met as locally as possible with parents, schools, settings, and services working in co-production to make more effective use of available resources.

DSPL directly delivers activity that is aligned with Hertfordshire County Council’s SEND Strategy (2026 - 2029) and associated improvement plan.

Local partners work together in nine DSPL area groups to implement the objectives of the SEND Strategy locally and commission provision in their area in order to improve outcomes for well-being and attainment, widen choice for children, parents and carers and remove barriers to learning. These areas are as follows:

1) Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston

2) Stevenage

3) Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, Watton at Stone, Hertford, Ware

4) Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt

5) Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield

6) Potters Bar, south Hatfield villages, Borehamwood

7) St Albans, Harpenden

8) Dacorum

9)Watford and Three Rivers

Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL) Area Groups will implement the objectives of the SEND Strategy and Action Plan locally and commission provision that is tailored to meet the needs of their local area.

Each area delivers a strategic plan which will demonstrate that DSPL areas encourage collaboration between all stakeholders to achieve the stated outcomes.

Each DSPL Area Group will use their knowledge and work in partnership to plan and commission specialist provision and services that are needs and evidence based and build local capacity developing  greater local skills, expertise and confidence in meeting needs. They will deliver high quality local provision through effective co-production which meets needs, improves outcomes, and results in higher levels of satisfaction and confidence. 

Particular areas of support  include:

• Help to increase the attendance of pupils with SEND on reduced timetables.

• Supporting transitions including those with SEMH

• Supporting the retention of staff through the Teaching Assistant Academy, 

• Supporting schools with children at risk of exclusion or who are impacted by Emotionally Based School Non-attendance

• Supporting schools with pupils awaiting a special school place

What we do: