The local authority is developing its provision in mainstream schools to include Designated Specialist Provisions (DSPs). These were formerly known as Schools with Additional Resources (SARs).
These are mainstream schools which receive additional funding in order to meet the needs of a wider range of pupils with complex needs.
There is no fixed blueprint for a DSP. Schools are selected based on their track record of meeting the needs of pupils with significant special educational needs both academically and socially. They use this good practice to develop their systems to accommodate a wider range of pupils with complex needs. The broad targets set for the first wave of DSP schools are:
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To meet the needs of the pupils as detailed on the statement of special educational needs
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To ensure the pupils are fully included and take an active part in the life of the school in its widest sense.
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To share good practice amongst themselves and DSP schools coming on stream in the future.
There are now three primary aged DSPs, taking pupils with Communication difficulties:
The is also one secondary DSP, taking pupils with Communication difficulties(specialising in Autism):
Parents can request a place at these schools in the normal way during the statutory assessment process.
