We are in the process of reviewing this with Commissioners in Trafford. I would welcome this discussion as our current systems need updating. We haven't shared the cost with schools/settings - if the equipment is under £1000 they have bought it and over £1000 the LA provides. OTs and OT Technical Instructors involved with the child or young person has overseen the maintenance, but as they move to discharging more of their caseload this oversight of the equipment falls to schools and settings. I would like to put in place better agreements for this. Currently the LA is paying to deliver/collect equipment but as mentioned this is all being reviewed. There are many complexities around what equipment, who has prescribed it, and as you say responsibilities for cleaning, repair, safe use, delivery and storage of items that can be reissued. I am hoping we can work towards a shared budget with health and education, but we are just at the start of our review process, so we'll see! I'd be happy to discuss further Gemma.

In Hampshire we provide any equipment over £100, if it is seating we fund everything, including the initial £100. We have a Hampshire Equipment Store and everything is ordered through them. They provide the Servicing and repair service, which is funded by my Specialist Teacher Advisory equipment budget. They also provide the service to move equipment from setting to setting. We generally only support CYP with EHCPs about 998% of the caseload have EHCPs. We only provide equipment to CYP who meet criteria to be on Specialist Teacher Advisory (STA) caseload and so say No to many CYP and schools have to fund their equipment. Items which are no longer required or the CYP has grown out of are returned to the Store, where they are sterilised and stored ready to be sent out to the next CYP who may need it. Special Schools can pay an SLA to be part of Stores and can then order their equipment through them. STAs only provide equipment in mainstream schools. Early Years work in the same way and they provide equipment for preschool CYP and use the Store in the same way. Happy to chat more if I can help.

Hi
In Plymouth, settings and schools fund the first £1k and the LA supports the additional over £1k.
Following an OT assessment of need and supporting information being provided for review/agreement at education funding panel, equipment would be ordered through the LA SEND children's OT service and community equipment store - a commissioned equipment service provider for the city working across adults and children's services.
This provides clarity over the equipment issued across the city and ensures mechanical upkeep and relevant safety checks are also maintained.
Whilst the setting/school support the first £1k, the delivery/collection and maintenance costs are managed through the commissioned CES contract which is LA funded.
We also have an agreement with settings and schools that is the item required can be accessed via recycled special scheme at nil cost, this is the first option.
LA SEND OT service completes annual clinical moving/handling reviews of the CYP's needs relating to to the prescribed equipment; Or we will assist via a duty response should the review required be more urgent.
Please message if you would like any further info or have any other questions?

Could i ask specifically about changing plinths which aren't 'prescribed' as such- are most LAs- asking schools/nurseries to self-fund?