Identification of need and inclusive provision

Schools and trusts have the flexibility to develop their own internal specialist provisions within mainstream environments to support the increasing complexity of pupil needs. While these provisions are not formally designated by the local authority, they play a crucial role in promoting inclusive education.

In Norfolk, we refer to these as "Enhanced SEND Provisions", though individual schools and trusts may use different terminology to describe their approach.

ESPs are school run, teacher-led interventions rather than registered SEN provisions and therefore are separate to the extended family of countywide Specialist Resource Base (SRBs) provisions and Specialist Hubs of Inclusive Practice (SHIPS).  Places in an ESP form part of the school published admission number (PAN).

They are small group classes (preferably led by a teacher) which aim to provide tailored support through an adapted but still ambitious curriculum for a specific cohort of children. This will support them to thrive in their mainstream setting and/or transition back into mainstream classes where appropriate for them.

They are funded as part of a setting's Element 3 allocation and are a more efficient use of existing Element 3 funding.

Enhanced SEND Provision Toolkit

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Norfolk SEND advisers worked in partnership with 23 mainstream schools to pilot the development of Enhanced SEND Provisions (ESPs). This collaboration explored how ESPs could be designed and delivered within mainstream settings to support pupils with increasingly complex needs.

Through this collaborative work, more than 470 children received targeted support, with 90 successfully transitioning back into mainstream classrooms. This piece of work provided valuable insight into what makes ESPs effective, sustainable, and inclusive.

We've used this learning to develop an ESP toolkit which you'll find available on this website. Schools running or developing ESPs will be supported through their Team Around the School (TAS), alongside the opportunity to engage with an ESP network and CPD events.

The toolkit consists of: 

• Operational Guide: This details best practice around establishing, maintaining, adapting and closing ESPs. It includes case studies, examples of assessment tools and proformas to capture data.
  Enhanced SEND Provisions (ESP) Guide (PDF, 1 MB)
• Self-Evaluation Framework: Developed in conjunction with Natalie Packer et al and should be used alongside IPSEF, GPM and SDP. 
  ESP Self Evaluation Framework (Word doc, 196 KB)
• Termly Review of ESP for SENDCo and Lead Teachers. 
  Termly review of ESP for SENDCo & Lead Teachers (Word doc, 107 KB)

If you're interested in developing an ESP in your school, please review the guidance and tools on this webpage, and discuss at your next Team Around the School meeting.

ESP Network

We're pleased to offer half-termly networking opportunities designed around the areas schools have identified as most in need of support. This Network offer includes six sessions spread across the academic year, with flexible access—settings are welcome to attend as many meetings as they find useful. Full details, including session dates and booking information, will be available on the Norfolk Services for Schools website under the  Training & Events section.