SEND Mandatory Qualifications for Sensory Impairment (MQSI)

2022: An initial five individual contracts were awarded to Higher Education Providers for the delivery of a mandatory qualification in sensory impairment (MQSI), this is a masters level course typically taken part-time over two years. Contracts awarded following the completion of an open tender process via Open Procedure.

Commencing 1st September 2023, an initial 3 year contract worth up to a maximum of £1 with the option of up to a further 3 years in contract extensions and a longstop date to allow current learners to complete the course. The overarching aims of the MQSI's are:

• To ensure a supply of teachers of children with visual, hearing and multi-sensory impairment, including those providing support in mainstream schools.

• To ensure a high-quality, sustainable and resilient qualifications market that that supports high quality outcomes for children with sensory impairment.

The tender was split into 3 lots to allow bidders to bid for each sensory impairment qualification individually. Lots: 1: Mandatory Qualification for Hearing Impairment 2: Mandatory Qualification for Visual Impairment 3: Mandatory Qualification for Multi Sensory Impairment

The providers will be responsible for providing the relevant qualification in accordance with the Specification for Mandatory Qualifications 2023.

2023: Two further individual contracts were awarded for the delivery of a mandatory qualification in sensory impairment (MQSI) following the completion of a Restricted Procedure in which two suppliers were invited to submit a bid against the original criteria on Tuesday 6th June 2023.