Wiltshire Ordinarily Available Provision for All Learners (OPAL)

Last updated: August 2024

What is OPAL?

The support that should be expected ordinarily by all children and young people in educational settings (early years, schools and colleges).

Reasons why OPAL is important:

• Educational settings would benefit from guidance on accountability, and inclusion best practices.
• So all learners can thrive more in an inclusive culture.
• Parents and carers can understand a consistent approach better.

What will OPAL do:

• Promote a vision for a more inclusive system, with high standards and 'Quality First Teaching' for all.
• Link to existing best practice and supporting resources.
• Define core standards of inclusion and provide learning tools to ensure this is upheld.
• Celebrate positive examples of best practice in Wiltshire.
• Provide resources for professional development.
• Provide a forum for collaboration around inclusive learning best practices.
• Support provision of tools and skills to help learners to thrive in their communities.
• Support our communities to be as inclusive as possible.

Wiltshire Approach:

We tailor provision or support to the individual's needs, and a diagnosis is not required to get support in educational settings.

Terminology used:

• Children and Young People are "CYP".
• Adults who support CYP are "staff".
• Parents of children and young people with SEND are "parent carers".
• Educational placements including early years provision, schools and colleges are "settings".
• Special educational needs and/or disabilities means "SEND".

For more help with terms and phrases visit: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/4285/Jargon-Buster

For wider SEND services and support visit: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/