Ordinarily available provision

Ordinarily available provision guidance

In Hertfordshire we have a wide range of resources and support systems for parents, schools, and professionals; however, you have told us that it is not always clear where to start to find this support or what role everyone plays. We have refreshed our current guidance and developed this Ordinarily Available Provision guidance.

‘Ordinarily available provision’ is a phrase, first used in 2023 by the DfE to describe the provision that a local authority expects to be made available for children and young people with SEND in early years settings, mainstream schools, and colleges. Our guidance gives examples of adaptations and reasonable adjustments that are part and parcel of everyday high-quality inclusive mainstream provision.

This is the first version of Section One: approaches to teaching, adaptations to the curriculum and learning environment – provision that responds to the strengths and needs of all learners including those with SEND.

The draft version of Section Two is due to follow in July 2025. We are anticipating the finalised Ordinarily Available Provision guidance will be ready in September 2025.

If you would like to comment on any aspect of this draft document, please email: sendstrategy@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

We would like to thank the headteachers, SENCOs, members of Hertfordshire Parent Carers Forum (HPCI), and other professionals who have contributed to the development of this guidance so far.