More than 240,000 pupils with SEND to benefit from inclusive sport programme

Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports.

Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver inclusive lessons that meet the diverse needs of all pupils - including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs.

Inclusion 2028 reimagines the role of PE and school sport for pupils with SEND so they can experience the benefits of being active. Taking part in physical exercise can support muscle and motor skills, improved attendance and behaviour, as well as fostering a sense of achievement, social connection and emotional wellbeing – helping pupils feel calmer, more confident and less stressed.

Throughout the programme, schools across the country will host events inspired by the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games, providing leadership opportunities for 1,500 pupils who will create and deliver inclusive sports and activities to their peers. The programme will also see 600 new extra-curricular inclusive clubs established offering pupils the opportunity to take part in a range of inclusive sports including tennis, boccia and archery after the school day.

The programme is part of the government’s Plan for Change - breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child and young person can achieve and thrive. It expects to work with over 8,000 schools supporting more than 240,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers and practitioners in England across the three years.
 
Inclusion 2028 is delivered by a consortium of the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, Swim England, Activity Alliance and nasen and supported by the Association for PE and Sport for Confidence.