Most applications fail before they are even read.

Local authorities carry out formal due diligence checks before commissioning any independent provider. That means safeguarding policies, data protection procedures, health and safety arrangements, lone working protocols, equality policies, and more.

Most independent tutors have none of this in place when they first apply. And most applications stall or fail not because the provision is not good enough, but because the documentation is missing, incomplete, or does not meet the standard the LA expects.

If you have tried to get onto an approved list and not heard back, this is probably why.

The Due Diligence Bundle

Everything you need. One download. Ready to personalise and submit.

The Due Diligence Bundle is a professionally written policy pack designed specifically for sole traders, independent tutors, and specialist SEND providers. Not adapted from a school template. Not generic HR boilerplate. Built from the ground up for the way independent tutors actually work.

 What's in the bundle

Seven professional policy templates Every policy an LA expects to see, written to current legislation and statutory guidance, and ready for you to personalise with your own details.

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, aligned to Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
• Health and Safety Policy
• GDPR and Data Protection Policy
• Lone Working Policy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Social Media and Online Safety Policy

Step-by-step approved provider guide A comprehensive guide to getting onto an LA approved list, covering what LAs look for, how to present yourself professionally, the full application process, and how to maintain your approved status once you are on the list.

Complete document checklist A printable checklist covering every document an LA is likely to request during due diligence, so nothing gets missed before you submit.

Getting started instructions A clear, jargon-free guide to personalising every template, adding your own logo and branding, exporting your documents to PDF, and getting submission-ready.

Who is it for?

Built for providers like you

The Due Diligence Bundle is designed for:

• Independent tutors applying to join an LA approved provider list
• Specialist SEND teachers delivering one-to-one or small group provision
• Alternative provision and EOTAS providers
• Therapeutic and specialist practitioners supporting children with SEND
• Any self-employed education professional who needs professional-standard policies in place

You do not need to be a large organisation. You do not need a solicitor. You just need the right documents, written the right way.

Written to current legislation

Every policy in the bundle is grounded in current UK legislation and statutory guidance including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Children and Families Act 2014
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Three steps to submission-ready

1. Download instantly Purchase the bundle, sign into your account and receive immediate access to all documents via your own portal

2. Personalise in minutes Open each template in Word add your details using the simple find-and-replace method in the getting started guide, and swap in your own logo.

3. Submit with confidence Export your completed policies to PDF and submit to your local authority knowing your documentation meets the standard they expect.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a teaching qualification to apply to an LA approved list?

No. LAs commission a wide range of providers including specialist tutors, therapists, and alternative provision practitioners. What matters is that you can demonstrate relevant expertise and meet the compliance requirements. The bundle helps you do exactly that.

Will these policies work for any local authority?

The templates are written to national legislation and statutory guidance, which applies across England. Every LA has slightly different processes and additional requirements, which is why the bundle includes a guide to researching the specific LA you are applying to.

I already have some policies in place. Can I still use the bundle?

Yes. You can use the templates to replace or update existing policies, or use them as a reference to check whether what you already have meets the standard LAs expect.

What format are the documents in?

All documents are Microsoft Word (.docx) files, compatible with Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. The getting started guide explains exactly how to personalise each one.

What if I need more support?

If you would prefer to have your policies written for you, SENDHelp! offers a Done For You service where we write every policy on your behalf, personalised to your practice and your LA. Book in  FREE consultation to find out more