Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) – Supporting Inclusive Practice in Early Years settings in Lewisham

OAP refers to the support, strategies, and resources that should be consistently available to all children in childminding settings, nurseries (PVIs), nursery classes, and reception classes. It aims to ensure that children with a range of needs—including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)—receive the help they need without requiring an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

To help embed OAP into everyday practice, we’ve developed a range of resources:

• 📘 OAP Guidance Document
  This outlines key expectations and provides practical ideas for planning and adapting provision. It also includes short training sessions and carefully selected links on a wide range of themes—such as videos explaining intensive interaction and other useful strategies.
  🔗 Access the guide by clicking on this link here: Lewisham OAP
• 🎥 Short Training Video (15 mins)
  A concise introduction to OAP that puts it into context for your setting. Please share this with your team. Email early.years@lewisham.gov.uk for the link. Completion of the accompanying quiz is required and will be monitored. This will be a condition for accessing inclusion funding from September 2025.
• 📬 Need Help?
  For support, please contact your linked adviser from the Lewisham Early Years – Quality and Inclusion Team, or email: early.years@lewisham.gov.uk
• 📂 Further Resources
  Additional tools to support inclusive practice will be available from September via the Members Area of Early Years Online (EYO). Please note you will receive an email from early.years@lewisham.gov.uk regarding Members Area login over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you for your continued commitment to inclusive, high-quality early years education for all children.