School Policy

Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) Policy

Setting out the inclusive support available to all students at CBSC — without the need for an Education, Health and Care Plan

Lead Author
Paul Farr
Assistant Principal & SENCo
Senior Link
Emma Morris
Deputy Principal, Inclusion & SEND
Review Date
September 2026
Approved by SLT / Governing Body

📋 Contents

  1. Purpose and Principles
  2. Definition of Ordinarily Available Provision
  3. Principles of Quality First Teaching at CBSC
  4. Graduated Approach
  5. Ordinarily Available Support Across the Four Areas of Need
  6. Staff Training and Development
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation
  8. Partnership with Parents and Carers
  9. Escalation Beyond OAP
  10. Review of this Document
Section 1

Purpose and Principles

Carshalton Boys Sports College (CBSC) is committed to providing an inclusive, high-quality education that enables all students to achieve their potential. This document sets out what support is ordinarily available to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), without the need for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

This policy aligns with:

SEND Code of Practice (2015)Statutory guidance on the duties of schools and local authorities
Equality Act (2010)Legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils
Cognus / London Borough of Sutton OAP Guidance (2023)Local authority guidance on ordinarily available provision
CBSC SEND Information Report & SEND PolicySchool-level documentation and commitments
Section 3

Principles of Quality First Teaching at CBSC

All teachers at CBSC are expected to:

Section 4

Graduated Approach

CBSC follows the statutory "Assess – Plan – Do – Review" cycle:

ASSESS

Identify student needs through data, observation and discussion

PLAN

Agree support strategies or interventions within OAP

DO

Deliver support through high-quality teaching and in-class assistance

REVIEW

Monitor progress at least termly and adjust provision as necessary

This cycle is continuous and iterative. Provision is adjusted based on evidence of progress and any new information from parents, specialists or external professionals.

Section 5

Ordinarily Available Support Across the Four Areas of Need

CBSC's OAP is organised around the four areas of need set out in the SEND Code of Practice:

A. Communication and Interaction

  • Structured classroom routines and visual timetables
  • Clear, explicit language with checked understanding
  • Access to speech, language and social communication strategies
  • Pre-teaching of vocabulary and key concepts where possible
  • Small group interventions for language or social skills development
  • Collaboration with external services such as Adapt to Learn (Autism specialist service)

B. Cognition and Learning

  • Differentiated teaching materials and scaffolded tasks
  • Targeted literacy and numeracy interventions: SPARX Reader, SPARX Maths, IDL Literacy & Numeracy
  • Access to Support Clubs and WOTC sessions
  • Use of ICT and assistive technology where appropriate
  • Modified curriculum pathways at KS4 for identified students
  • Study skills and revision strategy support

C. Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

  • A whole-school ethos promoting respect, belonging and resilience
  • Access to The Bridge — a centre for emotional and behavioural support
  • Form tutor and pastoral support network
  • Access to counselling, mentoring and targeted well-being sessions
  • Restorative approaches and behaviour regulation strategies
  • Collaboration with external agencies when required

D. Sensory and/or Physical Needs

  • Accessible classrooms and corridors, with ongoing site improvements
  • Staff awareness training on sensory needs and physical impairments
  • Adapted equipment or adjusted seating plans where necessary
  • Adjustments to PE, science and technology lessons
  • Access arrangements for assessments and examinations (e.g. extra time, separate room)
Section 6

Staff Training and Development

Section 8

Partnership with Parents and Carers

CBSC values strong collaboration with parents and carers as essential partners in supporting student progress:

Section 9

Escalation Beyond OAP

Where a student's needs cannot be met within the Ordinarily Available Provision, the SENCo will:

This decision is made through the Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle and is evidence-based — informed by documented progress data, professional advice and parental input.

Section 10

Review of this Document

This OAP policy will be reviewed annually by the SENCo and Senior Leadership Team. Any changes will be communicated to staff and published on the school's website.

Lead Author

Paul Farr

Assistant Principal & SENCo

Senior Link

Emma Morris

Deputy Principal, Inclusion & SEND

Approved by

SLT / Governing Body

Review Date: September 2026