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Government announces new funding for resourced provision in mainstream schools

The government announced at least £3 billion to create tens of thousands of new specialist places in mainstream schools. The Education Secretary announced an expansion of specialist learning spaces in mainstream schools, equipped with facilities to support children with SEND. 

The aim is that young people won’t have to travel miles from home to have their needs met, and can instead get support in tailor-made spaces with the right facilities while also mixing with other classes for subjects or parts of the day that are appropriate for them.  

In addition, the government has confirmed it will deliver on all 10,000 places – in all areas - due to be created by planned special free schools. It will do this either by building the planned schools, or by giving local authorities the funding to create the equivalent number of specialist places themselves – often more quickly than through free school projects.  This is on top of the new £3 billion investment. 

More details are expected in the Schools White Paper with information around subsequent allocation of funding, how this investment will support pupils in mainstream settings, as well as how specialist places in mainstream become a core part of the local school offer in all parts of the country.   

Full plans to improve the SEND system will be set out in the Schools White Paper which is expected in 2026. 

 

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