The Government has announced a £4 billion investment over the next three years aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools. The funding forms part of wider education reforms expected to be outlined in the upcoming schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which focuses on making education more inclusive for all pupils.

A key part of the investment is the creation of a £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund, which will be distributed directly to early years settings, schools and colleges. The funding is intended to help education providers deliver early interventions and targeted small-group support for pupils who begin to show signs of additional needs, ensuring help is provided before problems escalate.

The plans also include £1.8 billion to establish a new “Experts at Hand” service. This initiative will provide schools with access to specialist professionals such as SEND teachers, speech and language therapists and other experts within local areas. Local councils will oversee the commissioning of these professionals, working alongside health partners to ensure support is readily available for any child who requires additional help, regardless of whether they have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

While the reforms have been broadly welcomed, some organisations and charities have raised concerns about whether the funding will be sufficient to address long-standing pressures within the SEND system. Education groups say that although the investment is a positive step, meaningful change will depend on ensuring schools have the resources, training and specialist support needed to meet the growing demand for SEND services.