OAP Launch

Supporting children and young people with additional needs works best when families and schools share a clear understanding of what help should be available. The Council has worked with schools, professionals, and local partners to develop the Inclusion and SEND Commitment – B&NES’ Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP), to help make this clearer for everyone.

This guidance is written for schools, setting out clear advice about the support that is available as part of everyday practice. While it’s aimed at school staff, it’s also helpful for parents and carers to understand what they can reasonably expect from mainstream schools in supporting children with additional needs. Importantly, the support described in the OAP does not require a formal Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The goal is to ensure that every child feels included, understood, and able to thrive, with schools consistently delivering the support children need in a thoughtful and reliable way.

The full document can be read here. We will be including ‘mini-features’ on each of the support services in upcoming issues of the PCF newsletter.

This edition is for mainstream Primary and Secondary schools, similar guidance for Early Years and Post 16/Colleges will follow soon.

Please contact us via with any questions or queries.