More disabled children could soon thrive in mainstream schools under new SEN reforms
UK SEN funding boost could lead to more disabled children thriving in mainstream schools.
The UK government’s new commitment to revamp special educational needs (SEN) support could pave the way for tens of thousands more disabled children to be educated in mainstream schools.
This move aims to foster inclusivity through a significant increase in funding, enhanced training, and systemic changes in mainstream education.
In a bid to reform SEN services, the government is rolling out substantial investments designed to improve support for children with SEN. The Department for Education (DfE) has pledged £850 million to bolster local authorities' efforts across England, as part of a wider £2.6 billion allocation between 2022 and 2025. The objective? To create over 60,000 new places for children requiring specialised or alternative educational support.
An additional £13 million is being channelled specifically into mainstream schools to equip them with essential resources, including sensory tools, communication aids, and other supportive equipment. This funding aims to help these schools adapt their environments and teaching practices to better support neurodiverse students.
This drive towards inclusivity is complemented by the special free schools programme. As it stands, there are 108 special schools operating, with plans for 92 more, including 30 new schools whose applications have been successful. Yet, the government’s vision for inclusive education extends beyond simply expanding special schools—it targets integrating more children with SEN into mainstream settings.
A recent phase of the Delivering Better Value in SEND programme revealed that system improvements could enable 35,000 more children to have their needs met effectively in mainstream schools. The research indicated that the proportion of children with SEND in mainstream settings could rise from 42.3% to nearly 50%, shifting the landscape of education accessibility.
Michelle Daley, director of the Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE), emphasised the importance of this transition. She underscored that public confidence hinges on a system “that truly serves all children,” particularly those in under-resourced and marginalised communities. She also called for long-term, sustainable goals to phase out segregated education models.
Dr. Edmore Masendeke, ALLFIE’s policy and research lead, echoed concerns about the DfE’s historical bias towards segregated provisions, which he argued reinforces disablism and discrimination. While current policies favour the development of separate SEN units within mainstream schools, Masendeke and ALLFIE advocate for full integration with proper resources to foster an inclusive environment.
Catherine McKinnell, Minister for School Standards, highlighted the potential for “light at the end of the tunnel” through these reforms. She noted that stronger early intervention and enhanced mainstream resources could reduce reliance on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), thus enabling more children to receive their education in inclusive environments.
Further measures announced include improved accountability for schools regarding inclusion, more targeted training for early years staff to spot and support SEN needs earlier, and adjustments to curriculum and Ofsted inspections. This holistic approach is expected to restore confidence among families who have felt let down by the current system.
However, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. The National Audit Office (NAO) has flagged that without substantive changes, the SEN system risks financial unsustainability. Despite the 58% real-terms funding increase for high-needs support between 2014-15 and 2024-25, systemic failings persist.
The NAO’s findings revealed that progress toward inclusive practices in mainstream schools has been limited, with only 69% of primary and 73% of secondary school leaders feeling equipped to support SEN pupils effectively
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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