The UK government has announced a significant £740 million investment aimed at transforming support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools. This funding marks the start of long-term reforms designed to make mainstream education more inclusive, enabling more children to access the tailored support they need to succeed.
What This Funding Means for Schools
This funding can be used to adapt classrooms for greater accessibility and establish specialist facilities within mainstream schools. By creating an environment where children with SEND can thrive, this initiative ensures more pupils receive the right support at the right time, reducing barriers to opportunity and improving future life chances.
Last year, only 20% of pupils with SEND achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. This initiative is part of a broader £6.7 billion education capital settlement, outlined in the Autumn Budget, to address these challenges and foster a more inclusive educational landscape.
Introducing the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group
To champion inclusion, the Department for Education has also launched the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, led by Professor Karen Guldberg, a renowned expert in autism and inclusive education. The group will provide expert guidance on creating effective support systems for neurodivergent pupils in mainstream schools.
Professor Guldberg emphasized the importance of co-producing solutions with individuals who have lived experience, ensuring that reforms are guided by the real needs of children and families.
A Collaborative Approach to SEND Reform
This initiative follows a National Audit Office report highlighting the current challenges within the SEND system, including insufficient progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. To address this, the government has paused its "Safety Valve" agreements—programmes aimed at managing council SEND budgets—while it focuses on broader system reform.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated:
“The current picture is stark. For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate. Our reforms aim to break down barriers and ensure every child gets the support they need to achieve and thrive.”
If your school is looking for passionate, skilled educators to support pupils with SEND, we are here to help.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your school.