All secondary schools are set to undergo renovations to better accommodate children with additional needs as part of a comprehensive initiative to modernize the education infrastructure.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is preparing to release the Schools White Paper shortly, outlining strategies to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and enhance inclusivity in mainstream schools.
Prior to the official publication, the Education Secretary will announce mandatory measures for all secondary schools to establish inclusion bases for students with SEND.
The Department for Education (DfE) will provide new guidelines and design standards for schools to establish specialized spaces, including considerations for lighting, acoustics, breakout rooms for interventions, and outdoor areas with both quiet and active zones.
In a previous announcement in December, Ms. Phillipson allocated £3 billion to create around 50,000 new inclusion spots in mainstream schools. The latest update, introducing a compulsory aspect, will add an extra £700 million and 10,000 more places.
The government has already pledged £3.7 billion to support the establishment of approximately 60,000 new inclusion spaces. Many schools currently offer inclusion bases, often referred to as special educational needs units or pupil support units.
This commitment aligns with the launch of the government’s ten-year Education Estates Strategy, aimed at addressing issues such as deteriorating school facilities, overheating, and inadequate infrastructure.
To prepare for the technology-driven future, £300 million has been allocated to enhance internet connectivity in classrooms, while an additional £700 million will assist schools in addressing maintenance issues like leaking roofs and faulty heating systems.
Today’s announcements form part of the government’s £38 billion investment in the education infrastructure from 2025-26 to 2029-30, which also includes funding for expanding the school rebuilding program.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the significance of the 10-year plan, highlighting the need to move away from reactive measures towards proactive investments in creating safe, accessible learning environments that cater to every child’s needs and promote their overall development.
