An Enhanced Resource Base is a central space within a mainstream school which provides specialist support for children and young people with significant additional SEND needs while maintaining their connection to a mainstream setting and allowing for access to mainstream lessons.
The core principles of an Enhanced Resource Base are:
- inclusion
- individualised learning
- specialist staffing and resource
- supported transition
Expressions of interest
Staffordshire County Council are seeking expressions of interest from mainstream schools in Staffordshire to manage a SEND Enhanced Resource Base or a Sensory Enhanced Resource Base on their school site.
Applications are being sought for:
- SEND Enhanced Resource Bases to cover primary and secondary stages of education across all Staffordshire districts
- A county wide Sensory Enhanced Resource Base
Expressions of interest are particularly welcomed from mainstream schools working in partnership with a special school to help deliver and manage the Enhanced Resource Base.
All proposed space for an Enhanced Resource Base must be within surplus accommodation at the mainstream school, in addition to the accommodation required to meet the needs of the current and determined school Published Admission Number (PAN).
Key dates
| Stage | Dates / Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Service specification and expression of interest form live | 23 February 2026 – 12pm on 17 April 2026 |
| Evaluation of applications | 20 April – 30 June 2026 |
| Interviews with potential schools | July – September 2026 |
| Successful school informed | 30 September 2026 |
| Phase one Enhanced Resource Bases open | Summer term 2027 |
| Phase two Enhanced Resource Bases open | September 2027 |
These dates are indicative and may be subject to change
How to apply
Send your completed expression of interest form by email to: educationcommissioning@staffordshire.gov.uk by 12 noon 17 April 2026.
Please add the following text in the subject of your email: Enhanced Resource Base Expression of Interest form.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 12pm on 17 April 2026.
Questions
If you have any questions, or need clarification, please email: educationcommissioning@staffordshire.gov.uk