Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP)

New guidance for parent/carers

In Surrey, we are committed to inclusive education that supports every child to thrive. A key part of this commitment is through Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP). OAP as a practical tool to deliver high quality teaching and remove barriers to learning, enabling all children to access the curriculum and make progress.

New parent/carer guide

Following consultation with schools and families, we have created new guidance for parents and carers to support your understanding of OAP.

The parent/carer guide aims to:

• Help families understand who to talk to – who can help, when they are concerned about their child
• Offer advice on communicating with teachers and school staff about their child’s needs
• Explain what OAP is and how it works alongside high-quality teaching
• Share examples of the support and strategies that schools may use
• Provide clarity about the additional support available and when a formal diagnosis/ Education Health and Care plan (EHCP) may be necessary

If you have any questions in relation to OAP, you should speak to your child’s school or setting in the first instance.

OAP guidance for schools

We have also been working with school leaders, Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCOs), Family Voice Surrey, parents, carers and children to create revised guidance for schools about OAP.

The revised OAP guidance for schools includes strategies and examples of real school experiences, shared by schools and parents, that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual children, from the resources already available within the school. It is built around the voice of children and education professionals.

The parent/carer guide is a useful resource to help you; understand what OAP in school is, provide advice to support effective conversations with schools about your child’s needs, and offers examples of the support that may be available in schools.

If you have any questions or want more information, please email speak to your child’s school or setting.