Specialist Resourced Provision (SRP)

A Specialist Resourced Provision (SRP), or Inclusion Hub, is a dedicated area within a mainstream school that provides enhanced support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Placements at these provisions are determined by Dorset Council. 

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

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

Each SRP 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 SRPs are for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with Communication and Interaction as their Primary Need.

Typically, children and young people potentially suitable for the SRP may:

• struggle with spoken language, vocabulary, or grammar
• find it hard to interpret non-verbal cues or engage in social interaction
• experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or struggle to control emotions
• have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other neurodiverse conditions

Physical Disabilities SRPs are designed for children and young people with significant physical disabilities who cannot be fully supported in a typical mainstream setting.

Typically, children and young people potentially suitable for the SRP may:

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

These are SRPs which provide intensive support for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (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.

Typically, children and young people potentially suitable for the SRP:

• may or may not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), but will have SEMH as their primary need
• may struggle with emotional regulation (e.g. anxiety, anger, frustration) and find it hard to form and maintain relationships
• may have difficulty concentrating or staying organised and may have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other neurodiverse 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 SRP 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 Resourced Provision 

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