Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 86
86
Acknowledged
Set out a detailed implementation plan and mandatory standards for expanded SEND resource bases.
Conclusion
If the Department for Education expands the use of resource bases to increase specialist provision within mainstream schools and multi- academy trusts, it must set out a detailed implementation plan. This plan should clearly specify how resource bases should be staffed, including required qualifications, expertise, and staff-to-pupil ratios to ensure all children with SEND receive appropriate support. The Department must also define mandatory standards of good practice for resource bases, covering, physical facilities and equipment and good practice approaches to integration with the wider school or multi-academy trust community. By establishing these standards and holding schools and multi-academy trusts accountable for meeting them, the Department can ensure that the expansion of resource bases delivers high-quality, consistent, and inclusive provision, meeting the needs of children with SEND while strengthening inclusion across mainstream education. (Recommendation, Paragraph 305)
Government Response Summary
The government notes that many mainstream settings already provide specialist provision through SEN units and resourced provision and states they would like to explore how to make these practices more widespread. However, they do not commit to setting out a detailed implementation plan with specified staffing and mandatory standards for resource bases.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Many mainstream settings are delivering specialist provision locally through SEN units and resourced provision. These specialist facilities attached to mainstream schools can deliver bespoke support, adapted to pupils’ needs and close to their home. We would like to explore how we can make similar practices widespread, not only to improve SEND provision in mainstream, but to deepen the relationship between mainstream and specialist schools.