In England, both additionally resourced provisions (ARPs) and additionally resourced centres (ARCs) support students with special educational needs (SEN), but they have distinct characteristics.
Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP)
This refers to specific units within mainstream schools that provide targeted support for students with particular needs, such as autism or speech and language difficulties.
ARPs are within mainstream settings and allow students to access both specialised support and the wider school community. Students typically spend part of their time in the ARP and part in mainstream classes.
Additionally Resourced Centre (ARC)
Similar to ARPs, ARCs are dedicated facilities within schools, but they often serve a wider range of needs or focus on specific types of support. ARCs may be set up in larger schools or as part of multi-academy trusts and provide a more comprehensive range of interventions, often catering to students with more complex needs.
While both ARPs and ARCs aim to support students with SEN within mainstream education, ARPs are typically more focused and integrated, while ARCs may offer broader resources and support structures.
In Solihull there are ARPs / ARCs in primary and secondary schools, providing support for students with:
- autism
- physical disabilities
- speech
- language and communication disorders
- dyslexia