Making the most of your OAP funding
All settings (provided they have completed the survey) will shortly receive their Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) funding allocation. This funding provides an opportunity to strengthen inclusive practice and build capacity within your setting so that more children can have their needs met through high-quality universal and targeted support.
When planning how to use your funding, consider how investments will benefit both current and future children with SEND and contribute to your setting's long-term inclusive offer.
Top 10 OAP funding ideas to strengthen your SEND provision
These ideas focus on sustainable improvements that build staff confidence, increase inclusion and support future cohorts of children, rather than supporting only individual children.
- Developing visual communication
- Whole-setting visual timetable
- Now and next boards
- Choice boards
- Visual routines for toileting, handwashing and transitions
Why? Helps children understand expectations, reduces anxiety and supports communication and independence.
- Create a Calm Space
- Soft furnishings
- Stories and books about feelings
- Weighted lap pads
- Sensory lighting
- Ear defenders
- Fidget resources
Why? Supports emotional regulation and self-management skills for many children, not just those with identified SEND.
- Staff Training and Release Time
Why? Skilled practitioners have the greatest impact on children's outcomes.
- Story Sacks and Communication Packs
- Diverse and representative texts
- Story props and puppets
- Home-learning story sacks
- Communication-rich book packs
Why? Supports language development, engagement and parental involvement.
- Sensory and Exploration Provision
- Treasure baskets
- Loose parts
- Textured resources
- Sensory play materials
- Sensory circuits equipment
Why? Enhances engagement, sensory exploration and self-regulation.
- Physical Development Resources
- Climbing and balancing equipment
- Core strength development resources
Why? Supports early writing, self-care and physical confidence.
- Inclusive Environment Improvements
- Picture labels throughout the setting
- Accessible storage
- Reduced visual clutter
- Clearly defined learning spaces
- Inclusive books and resources
Why? Removes barriers and promotes independence.
- Outdoor Sensory and Inclusive Play
- Planting and sensory gardens
- Dens and cosy spaces
- Gross motor challenge equipment
Why? Provides inclusive opportunities for movement, regulation and sensory exploration.
- Emotion Coaching and Wellbeing Resources
- Feelings boards
- Social stories
- Wellbeing books
- Reflection and mindfulness resources
Why? Helps children recognise, express and manage emotions effectively.
- Developing Inclusive Resources and Provision
OAP funding can be used to provide practitioners with dedicated time to develop, organise and strengthen the resources that support inclusive practice across the setting.
Examples include:
- Creating visual timetables, now and next boards and communication supports.
- Developing social stories and transition resources.
- Reviewing and organising SEND support and reference materials.
- Completing inclusion audits and identifying areas for development.
- Gathering and curating collections of open-ended resources such as small pots, lids, containers, baskets and loose parts to support fine motor development, sensory exploration and problem-solving.
- Creating sensory and regulation resources tailored to the needs of the children attending the setting.
- Developing resource libraries that can be used to support practitioners and families.
Why? Investing time in creating and organising high-quality resources helps practitioners respond quickly to children's needs, removes barriers to participation and strengthens the setting's ordinarily available provision. These resources can then be used to support many children over time while building a more inclusive learning environment for all.
Before Spending Your OAP Funding, Ask:
✅ Will this benefit more than one child?
✅ Will it still be useful in two years' time?
✅ Does it increase independence and participation?
✅ Does it build staff knowledge and confidence?
✅ Will it strengthen our Ordinarily Available Provision for all children?
Remember
The most impactful use of OAP funding is often investment in skilled adults, inclusive environments and sustainable provision, rather than expensive specialist equipment. When children encounter fewer barriers in their everyday environment, everyone benefits.