The INclude Steps

Universal Provision is the core, proactive support embedded in all mainstream schools. It consists of high-quality adaptable teaching methods to meet diverse needs, inclusive classroom strategies, and early interventions to address barriers before they escalate. Available to every pupil without the need for additional referral or specialist input.  

Please find further resources and information on Universal Provision here.

Nottingham City Council is currently developing an Ordinarily Available Provision guidance document with a planned release date of Spring 2026.

Ordinarily Available Provision refers to the standard range of support and adaptations that schools are expected to provide pupils with additional needs, as part of their everyday practice. This includes differentiated teaching, reasonable adjustments, and targeted strategies that do not require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The INclude Service has resources available to support schools with their early intervention strategies:

• R2i strategy
• SEMH toolkit
• RPI
• Signposting to services in the city 
• Ordinarily Available Provision (link to follow)

After following a thorough graduated response to support a child or young person at risk of permanent exclusion, schools can refer to the INclude Service with a Step 2 Advisory Request. Possible outcomes from an INclude referral are: 

1. Accepting a case as a Step 3 Targeted Intervention.
2. Declined with signposting, feedback & consultation offer.

Targeted Intervention with School

• INclude Learning Mentor and Teacher
• Up to 12 weeks of intervention with school, family, and pupil

What to expect at the initial meeting?​

• Gathering baseline information, learning about the pupil and their barriers 
• Co-create a hypothesis and objectives​ based on a Social Emotional Wellbeing Inventory, parent/pupil voice and current knowledge
• Learning assessments will be organised where appropriate

What if INclude Step 3 does not reduce the pupil’s risk of permanent exclusion?

• Escalation to Step 4 - Exclusion Prevention Panel for consideration of next steps.

Internal multi-agency panel

• Step 4 facilitates decision making and moderation
• Provides an overview of the city and its needs
• Ensures fairness! 

Outcomes could be: 

• Extension of Step 3
• Escalate to Step 5
• Close Step 3​ 
• Recommend a Supported Transfer
• Denewood Assessment Place 
• Interim AP
• Escalation to Complex Case Panel

The INclude Taskforce

• Up to 6 weeks intensive multi-agency support delivered at pace
• Select and assemble the Taskforce
• Host a strategy meeting – the intention is not to comment on ‘what school should do?’ but identify proactive support - ‘what can the taskforce do to help?’​

​What if INclude Step 5 does not reduce the pupil’s risk of permanent exclusion?

• Action plan collaboratively produced with school and INclude
• If still at risk of PEX, we hand over to Complex Case Panel