Across several primary and secondary schools in the city, the local authority commissions Resource Bases and SEN Units. These specialist provisions support pupils with specific areas of special educational need and are usually located within mainstream school buildings. Class sizes are smaller than typical mainstream classes, and pupils benefit from a higher adult-to-pupil ratio.
Resource Bases
Resource Bases provide a blended learning programme, combining access to the mainstream curriculum with targeted specialist support.
Pupils typically spend around 50% of their time in mainstream classrooms and 50% in the resource base, although this balance is flexible and personalised to meet individual needs.
The emphasis is on inclusion and integration, with the goal of increasing time in mainstream classes over time.
The mission of a Resource Base is to -
- Increase access to mainstream classes, adopting an “integration first” approach with flexible withdrawal for specialist support
- Support access to a curriculum that promotes joy, curiosity, and communication skills
- Develop strategies to manage social, emotional, and mental health needs
- Encourage participation in cognition and learning activities
- Build confidence, emotional well-being, and happiness in learning
SEN Units
SEN Units provide an intensive level of specialist teaching for pupils who need this for most or all of the school day. Pupils are taught in smaller classes with a higher adult-to-pupil ratio for the majority of their time in school.
These units are designed for children who require a more specialist curriculum and environment.
The mission of a SEN Unit is to -
- Deliver tailored teaching aligned with the national curriculum but adapted to individual needs
- Provide structured interventions for literacy, numeracy, communication, SEMH, and social skills
- Enable pupils to participate in mainstream activities (assemblies, social times, some lessons) where appropriate
- Offer a dedicated environment designed to meet the needs of pupils with more complex SEND
- Build confidence, emotional well-being, and happiness in learning