Specialist inclusion bases in mainstream schools

Specialist inclusion bases provide specialist teaching and support within mainstream schools for children who need a tailored learning programme

Introduction

Somerset Council is intending to increase the number of specialist inclusion bases (formerly known as SEN units) on mainstream school sites.

It has an ambition to create more than 250 new school places in Specialist Inclusion Bases over the next three years.

Specialist inclusion bases offer children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans dedicated classrooms to learn individually or in small groups with specialist teachers and teaching assistants.

There a 3 soft padded columns as well as several wooden sensory toys on the walls, and a soft mat.

This photograph shows the sensory corner at Northgate Primary’s SEN unit.

Each base caters for a specific SEN type:

  • Moderate or Severe Learning Difficulties
  • Social Communication and Emotional Regulation
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs
  • Speech and Language Disorder

How to access a specialist inclusion base

Children must have an Education, Health and Care plan to be considered for a specialist inclusion base place. Placement decisions are made in consultation with schools and parents as part of the Education, Health and Care Plan and Annual Review process.

Schools with specialist inclusion bases

The schools with specialist inclusion bases in Somerset are:

How specialist inclusion bases are funded

Somerset Council is able to fund the capital costs to create specialist inclusion bases from its High Needs Provision Capital Allocations (HNPCA).

How Specialist Inclusion Bases are designed

Specialist inclusion bases are designed with a set of eight design principles in mind that have been recommended by the Autism Education Trust, the National Network of Parent Carer Forums and the NHS.

They include good proxemics, acoustics, low-arousal colours and subtle lighting in order to create inclusive learning environments.

The photograph shows The Den at Knights Templar Community Church School.

A play area with a wooden pergola with a colourful roof. There is a green pattern on the ground, a giant dice, tires and a ball.

Training and support for schools

We provide a package of training and support as part of the induction programme including materials and resources.

In addition to induction days, all settings have a menu of training options to access and can select training that is bespoke to their own needs.

The impact of specialist inclusion bases

In September 2025, six brand new specialist inclusion bases opened across Somerset for the first time. After the first term, feedback from children, parents and staff shows that the units are already making a positive difference.

Children in the specialist inclusion bases are making strong progress:

  • 70% are doing better than expected
  • 30% are meeting expectations

Parent feedback

Parents noted excellent progress of children across learning, development, communication and time in school.

Been able to make friends, able to speak more and join that with her Makaton signs. She is currently trying to count which is amazing. Her ability to stay with an adult led task has improved. She is thriving.

As a whole it’s amazing that he was given this opportunity. He can access school full-time and be accepted for who he is. I can’t thank everyone enough it’s been awesome.

Play area with wooden climbing apparatus

The photograph shows the ACE space in Hatch Beauchamp.

Interested in running a specialist inclusion base?

If you are a school in Somerset with spare space on site and an interest in running or hosting a future specialist inclusion base, please contact Lewis Andrews, SEND Sufficiency Manager, on (01823) 356924 who will arrange an initial visit to talk through the options

Last updated: November 13, 2026

Next review due: May 13, 2027

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