Changes to Specialist Resource Base (SRB) referral process

A new SRB referral form  

The SRB referral form was recently reviewed and migrated to the new NCC web form platform, with the aim of streamlining the form and ensuring that certain measures have been followed prior to referral, including: 

• implementing Provision Expected at SEN Support (PEaSS) 
• completing INDES profiling or being in receipt of SENIF for Early Years Foundation Stage 
• ensuring up to date evidence from professionals where applicable (for SLCN, a report from a Speech and Language Therapist is mandatory)  

Complete the referral form here and if you would like to save the forms you have submitted, you can sign up for a MyNorfolk account.  

Please note it is no longer a requirement to contact an individual SRB lead before completing a referral.  

New SRB triage panel is live  

A new triage panel has been launched.  

The aim of this panel is to:  

• ensure the right referrals are considered by the most appropriate SRB admissions panel at the earliest opportunity 
• reduce incidences of delays in decision-making  
• ensure the best use of SRB lead professional time particularly when observing children and young people in settings prior to consideration at panel  
• manage a 40% increase in SRB referrals year-to-date  

All referrals for Autism, Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), and Learning and Cognition (LCN) bases will be considered by the triage panel initially, alongside placements within Specialist Hubs of Inclusive Practice (SHIPs). A decision will then be made as to whether the referral is appropriate for consideration at an SRB admissions panel, or if further evidence is required which may include a professional observation, or if another solution is deemed more suitable.  

NB: Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) Bases and Deaf Resource Bases are not included in the triage panel as children are referred on the advice of a Speech and Language Therapist or Virtual School for Sensory Support, respectively.  

The triage panel will take place every two weeks and this new process will be reviewed regularly. 

Specialist Hubs of Inclusive Practice (SHIPs) set sail 

The first SHIPs opened in September. These new provisions support children with a high level of co-occurring needs. A small number of these hubs are now open, with plans to grow the number of children they support as well as open more under our Local First Inclusion programme.  

NB: There is no direct referral route for SHIPs currently, as the small number of places available are being prioritised for children already on existing referral pathways.  

Find out more about the Specialist Resource Base programme.