News

Keep up to date with all of the latest news, headlines and features from across the SEND sector.

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News listing

Turn Everyday Technology into Inclusive Teaching

May 2026

nasen and Concero have partnered to deliver exclusive accessibility training for school staff, helping you make the most of the tools already available in your school.

Updated Academy Trust Handbook published

July 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has published the Academy Trust Handbook 2026, introducing a series of changes aimed at improving transparency, financial oversight and inclusion across academy trusts.


Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) Consultation Launched

July 2026

A new consultation is encouraging the sharing of views on proposed reforms to Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) arrangements, as part of the Government’s wider programme of SEND reform.



DfE launches consultations on the future of early years funding and teaching.

July 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking views on two consultations to help shape the future of early years provision in England, focusing on funding arrangements and reforms to early years teacher training and status.

New EYFS Framework introduces stronger safeguarding requirements

July 2026

Early years providers in England will need to prepare for a series of important changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, with updated guidance coming into force on 1 September 2026.

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Helping learners shape their experience through “The Big Future” survey

July 2026

The Children’s Commissioner for England is inviting children and young people to share their views through “The Big Future,” the largest survey of its kind on childhood experiences, aspirations and concerns.

New research and practical guidance around music education in autism resource bases

July 2026

A new guide from Live Music Now highlights the important role that music can play in supporting autistic pupils in autism resource bases (ARBs) and offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for education professionals.


Education Sector Urged to Shape England’s New Mental Health Strategy

July 2026

Education professionals are being encouraged to contribute to a government call for evidence that will help shape a new cross-government mental health strategy for England.

DfE Consults on New SEND Funding Model for Mainstream Schools

July 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a consultation on plans to change how funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is distributed in mainstream schools in England.

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Interim Review Highlights Growing Mental Health Pressures on Schools

July 2026

A major independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism has highlighted growing psychological distress among young people and raised important questions about how support is provided across education, health & public services.

New Free Resource Helps Schools Turn Inclusion Policy into Practice

July 2026

A free resource developed by the University of Cambridge, is offering education professionals practical support to strengthen inclusion and belonging across mainstream schools.

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New Autism and Employment Guides Launched to Support Young People

July 2026

Ambitious about Autism has launched a new series of autism and employment guides designed to help autistic young people build confidence, understand their rights, and successfully navigate the workplace

New EEF Inclusive Teaching Guidance Calls for Smarter Support, Not Lower Expectations

July 2026

Schools and colleges should focus on carefully planned adaptations and targeted support rather than lowering expectations for learners with additional needs, according to new guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

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Schools and Colleges Face Growing Mental Health Pressures as Referrals Top One Million

July 2026

Schools and colleges are being urged to play an even bigger role in supporting children’s mental health after a report revealed that more than one million young people were referred to mental health services in England during 2024-25.

Guidance on Inclusion Bases Aims to Strengthen Inclusion in Mainstream Schools

July 2026

The guidance sets out expectations for how schools can better meet the needs of pupils who require additional support, while ensuring they remain connected to mainstream education wherever possible.

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New Excellence in Reception Teaching Framework Issued

June 2026

The Excellence in Reception Teaching Framework highlights the essential knowledge and practice that early years professionals need to deliver strong outcomes for all children.

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Research project looking for lived experience

June 2026

Researchers are looking for young people and their families and carers, that have taken part in a Care (education) and Treatment Review, to give their lived experience as part of the CECiLiA project into improving them.

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Latest SEN stats released by DfE

June 2026

Over 1.8 million pupils in England have special educational needs (SEN). This is an increase of 91,400 (5.2%) pupils since 2025.

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More details released around ‘Experts at Hand’ promised in the SEND reform

June 2026

The DfE have announced that learners with SEND will get specialist support without needing a diagnosis, as the government begins rolling out a new Experts at Hand service.

New free course from Words Matter helps improve positive communication with children

June 2026

Words Matter, the charity working to end childhood verbal abuse, has launched a free, first-of-its-kind online course to help parents, carers, educators & adults communicate with children in ways that support their mental health & wellbeing.