Understanding resourced provision
A plain-English guide for SENCOs and parents on resourced bases, how they differ from Alternative Provision, and the commissioning process in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
What schools and families need to know about resourced bases
Resourced provision — often called a resourced base — is one of the most misunderstood types of specialist support in UK schools. It is not a special school. It is not Alternative Provision. It is a unit inside a mainstream school that gives pupils with specific special educational needs access to specialist staff and facilities while keeping them part of the mainstream community.
This guide explains what resourced provision is, how it differs from Alternative Provision, and how the commissioning process works for schools in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. It is written for SENCOs making placement decisions and for parents trying to understand the options available to their child.
What is resourced provision?
Resourced provision is a specialist unit located inside a mainstream school. It supports pupils who have a specific type of special educational need — for example, hearing impairment, visual impairment, autism, speech and language difficulties, or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Pupils in a resourced base remain on the mainstream school roll. They spend part of their time in the base receiving targeted support, and part of their time in mainstream classes with their peers. This balance gives pupils the specialist help they need without removing them from the social and academic benefits of a mainstream school.
Resourced provision places are limited and are allocated by the local authority. Each base has a specialism, and admission is based on whether the pupil's needs match that specialism. The goal is inclusion with support, not separation.
How resourced provision is commissioned in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Bedfordshire
Schools in Bedfordshire apply to the local authority's SEN team for a resourced provision place. The application must include evidence of the pupil's identified need, current attainment, and how the base's specialism matches the pupil's profile.
The local authority reviews applications against available places and the base's capacity. Because places are limited, there may be a waiting list or a panel decision process. Schools can contact the SEN assessment team for advice before applying.
Once a place is agreed, the local authority provides top-up funding through the High Needs Block. The school uses this to cover specialist staffing and resources within the base.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire schools request a resourced provision place through the county's SEN team. This is usually done via the child's EHCP review or through the SEN support process. The local authority matches the pupil's needs to the specialism of available bases.
For some bases, the school may need to demonstrate that the pupil's needs cannot be met from the school's own SEN budget. The process can take several weeks, so schools are advised to start the conversation early if they think a base is the right option.
Funding is arranged through the High Needs Block, with the local authority providing top-up funding to the host school. The pupil remains on the mainstream school roll.
Resourced base vs Alternative Provision
Setting
Resourced base: A specialist unit inside a mainstream school
Alternative Provision: A separate provider, centre, or outreach service
Pupil status
Resourced base: On the mainstream school roll
Alternative Provision: Not attending mainstream school
Primary need
Resourced base: Specific SEN such as sensory or communication needs
Alternative Provision: Barriers to attendance such as exclusion, anxiety, or SEMH
Who decides
Resourced base: Local authority placement process
Alternative Provision: School commission, LA placement, or EHCP naming
Funding
Resourced base: Local authority High Needs Block top-up
Alternative Provision: School budget, local authority, or EHCP funding
Ofsted
Resourced base: Inspected as part of the host school
Alternative Provision: Independent providers must register separately
Curriculum
Resourced base: Mainstream curriculum with specialist support
Alternative Provision: Bespoke programme tailored to the individual
Timetable
Resourced base: Structured around the school day
Alternative Provision: Often part-time or graduated hours
How to choose between a resourced base and Alternative Provision
Check whether mainstream attendance is possible
A resourced base is only appropriate if the pupil can still attend a mainstream school for at least part of the week. If the pupil is not attending at all, or if the relationship with the school has broken down, Alternative Provision is usually the better option.
Match the need to the specialism
Resourced bases have specific specialisms. Check whether your local authority has a base that matches the pupil's needs. In Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, the range of bases varies by area. If there is no suitable base, or if the waiting list is long, Alternative Provision may be more appropriate.
Consider timing and urgency
Resourced provision places are limited and the commissioning process can take several weeks. If a pupil needs immediate support — for example, after a permanent exclusion or a long period of absence — Alternative Provision can often be arranged more quickly.
Involve the family and the pupil
Both options work best when the family is involved in the decision. The pupil's views matter too. A pupil who is anxious about returning to any mainstream school may find Alternative Provision less overwhelming, even if their SEN could technically be met in a resourced base.
Plan for review and flexibility
All placements should be reviewed regularly. Some pupils move from Alternative Provision back into mainstream school with resourced provision. Others stay in AP longer term. The goal is to find the setting where the pupil can re-engage with learning, build confidence, and make progress.
How Directional CIC fits in
Directional CIC is an independent Alternative Provision provider based in Bedfordshire, working with schools and local authorities across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are not a resourced provision unit — we provide separate, specialist education for secondary-age pupils who cannot attend mainstream school.
We often work with pupils who have previously attended resourced provision but have found that the mainstream school environment is no longer viable. This is common for pupils whose needs have shifted from primarily educational to social, emotional, and behavioural.
If you are a SENCO or family trying to decide between a resourced base and Alternative Provision, we are happy to talk through the options. We will be honest about whether our service is the right fit, and we can suggest questions to ask your local authority about resourced provision places.
What we offer
- Structured Alternative Provision placements for secondary-age pupils
- Part-time and graduated hours that build up as the pupil settles
- Teacher-led sessions with a focus on re-engagement and confidence
- Half-termly progress reports for schools and local authorities
- Close partnership with the referring school from day one
Frequently asked questions
Talk to us about placement options
If you are exploring resourced provision, Alternative Provision, or both, get in touch. We will respond within 2 working days.
Or call 07949 212 583