Specialist Inclusion Bases (SIB)

Specialist Inclusion Bases (SIB), also known as Inclusion Hubs, are dedicated areas within mainstream schools that provide enhanced support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Placements in these provisions are determined by Dorset Council. 

To meet a range of needs, there are three types of SIBs in Dorset:  

• Communication and Interaction SIB 
• Physical Disabilities SIB 
• Social Emotional Mental Health SIB 

Each SIB provides: 

• specialist teaching and interventions  
• a mix of mainstream and small group learning  
• access to therapies and support from visiting professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and Specialist Teachers 
• safe, sensory-friendly spaces for learning and emotional regulation 
• a strong focus on relationships, inclusion, and wellbeing 

Communication and Interaction Specialist Inclusion Base (SIBs) are for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with Communication and Interaction identified as their primary need.

Children and young people who may be suitable for a Communication and Interaction SIB may:

• struggle with spoken language, vocabulary, or grammar
• find it difficult to interpret non-verbal cues or engage in social interaction
• experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or struggle with emotional regulation
• have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent condition

Physical Disabilities Specialist Inclusion Bases (SIBs) are designed for children and young people with significant physical disabilities who cannot be fully supported in a typical mainstream setting.

Children and young people who may be suitable for a Physical Disability SIB may:

• have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with Physical Disabilities identified as their primary need
• need specialist equipment, adaptations, or modifications to participate in school life

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Specialist Inclusion Bases (SIBs) provide intensive support for children and young people with SEMH needs. They offer a nurturing environment where pupils can build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, and access learning in a way that works for them.

Children and young people who may be suitable for an SEMH SIB may:

• have or not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), but have SEMH identified as their primary need
• experience difficulties with emotional regulation (for example anxiety, anger or frustration) and find it difficult to form and maintain relationships
• have difficulty concentrating or staying organised, and may have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions

For further information on any school, visit the Family Information Directory - Schools and Academies 

This is managed by Dorset Council through a panel process, held every half-term. The panel includes professionals from the SIB and Dorset Council, including Educational psychologists and Specialist Teachers. Each case is reviewed carefully and individually.

To be considered for a place:

• the child or young person must have had a recent EHCP Annual Review, which suggests the need for a change in support
• evidence must show that the current school has used the Graduated Approach and made all reasonable adjustments to support them
• they must meet the published admissions criteria for the relevant Specialist Inclusion Base 

If you think your child may be suitable for a place at a Specialist Inclusion Base, please contact your SEND Provision Lead at Dorset Council or speak to the SENCO at your child’s school or setting.