SEND Reforms: What Schools Need to Know

Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainstream settings. The inclusion of disabled pupils in mainstream schools has been a growing trend. Policies promoting equal educational opportunities support this.

Over 1.6 million pupils in England have special educational needs (SEN). That's an increase of 101,000 from 2023. This includes pupils with an education, health, and care (EHC) plan and with SEN support. Both have continued to increase since 2016.

Government reforms and new specialist places

On 4 December 2024, the government announced new specialist places to be created in mainstream schools. Major reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system are initiated with a £740 million capital investment to create more specialist places in mainstream schools. It will start to pave the way for the government's plans for reform to help more pupils with SEND to have their needs met in mainstream schools.

What the new funding can be used for

This new funding can be used to adapt classrooms to be more accessible for children with SEND and to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to pupils' needs.

SEND pupils falling behind peers

Last month, the National Audit Office highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, with limited progress made in making mainstream schools more inclusive in recent years. Last year, only 20% of SEND pupils met the expected reading, writing, and maths standards at Key Stage 2 level. Without the right support, pupils fall behind their peers. This impacts their future life chances.

More investment to come

The funding announced in December forms part of a broader £6.7 billion capital settlement for education for the next financial year, announced at the Autumn Budget. Allocations will be confirmed in Spring 2025. This is alongside guidance outlining how councils can use this investment to improve local mainstream provision.

How do best practices work in inclusive education?

Inclusive education is an ongoing endeavour to provide quality education for all learners while:

• respecting diversity
• recognising different learner needs and abilities
• understanding individual characteristics and learning expectations
• working to eliminate discrimination

Mainstream education inclusion challenges

A key challenge in supporting children with disabilities in education is the wide variation in needs. From physical disabilities to neurodiverse conditions such as autism and ADHD. The severity and type of support needed differ greatly. It makes it difficult for schools and teachers to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Effective inclusion demands tailored resources and strategies to meet these diverse needs. This includes physical accessibility as well as accommodations for cognitive and sensory differences.

The move to disabled pupils attending mainstream education is that it can offer significant benefits, including enhanced social skills, empathy among peers, and improved academic performance. Schools face challenges. This includes:

• a lack of resources
• insufficient staff training
• the need for better infrastructure to accommodate diverse needs

Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure that all learners receive the support they need to thrive in an inclusive environment.

Schools that have successfully embraced inclusive practices have seen remarkable improvements in pupil outcomes. For example, the University of Plymouth has developed case studies showcasing best practices in inclusive teaching and learning.

These initiatives include:

• workshops on adaptive teaching
• early identification
• child-centred planning

All these aim to equip teachers with the skills to support varied needs. These initiatives have led to more accessible learning environments and better academic performance for SEN learners.

Challenges in supporting physically disabled pupils

Disability rights laws in the UK mean it is illegal for schools to treat disabled students unfavourably. Mainstream schools face ongoing challenges when catering to physically disabled pupils. Accessibility varies greatly. While disability laws require schools to create accessibility plans and prevent discrimination, they don't mandate immediate physical modifications. Schools often need to plan improvements over time. Facilities such as ramps, lifts, or accessible toilets are sometimes limited due to funding or space constraints.

To support disabled pupils, many schools implement measures including:

• clear pathways
• flexible seating
• tailored mobility aids

These rely on available resources and staff training to ensure effective inclusion.

The importance of inclusive education schools

Inclusive education is essential for creating a learning environment where all learners, regardless of their abilities, thrive. Schools increasingly recognise the importance of accommodating students with disabilities to ensure they receive the same quality education as their peers. This approach benefits students with special educational needs (SEN) and creates a culture of empathy and understanding among all students.

How inclusive practices improve school success

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the start of December reminds schools how important inclusive education is. Every pupil deserves equal opportunities. Schools prioritising inclusive education create fair and supportive learning environments. This commitment to inclusivity enhances academic outcomes and prepares learners to thrive in a diverse society.

At Teaching Personnel, we recognise the challenges and opportunities in SEND provision. Our dedicated education consultants work with schools to identify needs and deliver tailored support. This includes specialist Teaching Assistants, SEN teachers, and educators. Contact us today to find out how we can help.