In the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) whitepaper the Department for Education (DfE) has set out a clear message: inclusion is a cornerstone of the upcoming reform. In the document the DfE has introduced the Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF). This fund is designed to help schools and settings strengthen inclusive practice, early intervention and support for children and young people with SEND and emerging needs.
While the fund is created to support schools’ inclusion provision, it cannot work alone. To achieve true inclusion, schools must change their approach and start planning for the reform now through staff training and support. In this article we will break down everything you need to know about the IMF and how your school can prepare for the upcoming changes.
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund and SEND reform
The IMF marks the beginning of the long term SEND reform plan. The February 2026 whitepaper has introduced a National Inclusion Standards and a clear approach for inclusion for all pupils within mainstream education.
The IMF aims to resolve the current issues the system faces such as long waits for assessment, inconsistent provision and over-reliance on specialist assessment and diagnosis to unlock support. By shifting resources and responsibility toward whole-school inclusive design, the DfE aims to resolve these challenges and improve support for all pupils.
The 7 Principles of Inclusion in the Inclusive Mainstream Fund
The DfE recommends that schools spend across seven themes, and inclusion strategies must report against them. These themes are:
- Ambitious leadership and governance that embeds inclusion- strategic oversight, clear accountability and a culture where inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.
- Evidence-based support prioritising early intervention – identifying need early and responding before difficulties escalate, using approaches grounded in evidence.
- High-quality teaching with a curriculum designed for all learners – adaptive teaching, accessible materials and curriculum design that anticipates diversity rather than retrofitting for it.
- Accessible and enriching provision beyond the classroom – ensuring extracurricular activities, trips, and wider opportunities are genuinely inclusive.
- A safe and respectful culture fostering belonging and attendance – relational approaches, behaviour support, and environments where pupils feel they belong.
- Strong partnerships with families and wider services, especially through transitions – collaboration with parents, health services, and other agencies, with particular attention to key transition points.
- Inclusive environments with improved accessibility – physical accessibility, sensory considerations, and environmental adjustments.
These seven areas provide the structure for both spending decisions, and the strategy schools must publish by the end of December.
How Early intervention can improve inclusion
Early intervention helps to identify and provide support to children and young people who are specifically at risk of poor educational outcomes. It aims to reduce the effects of a child’s condition on their development and education. Early intervention is important as it enables the prevention of problems that might occur, or strategies to manage problems if they have already developed.
Once identified the needs of the pupil are then addressed on a one-to-one basis or through other forms of therapeutic intervention such as speech and language therapy.
Early intervention means that a child is less likely to fall behind in school or, in some cases, become completely disengaged from the school environment due to being unable to keep up with their peers and are powerless to speak up about their needs.
Invest in an Early Intervention Specialist
LMP Education has recently launched a brand-new Level 4 Early Intervention Specialist (also known as Pastoral Support Practitioner) apprenticeship to help schools upgrade their Early intervention provision.
Am Early Intervention Specialist in a school setting identifies and supports children of all ages with developmental delays, disabilities, or behavioural challenges. They implement tailored strategies, such as Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) or small-group interventions, to improve learning outcomes, boost social-emotional skills, and prevent long-term difficulties.
The Level 4 Pastoral Support Practitioner apprenticeship helps schools strengthen internal capacity to respond to complex needs and demonstrate inclusive practice aligned with Ofsted and sector priorities.
Learn more about the Level 4 Early Intervention Specialist apprenticeship programme.
About LMP Education
LMP Education is an award-winning apprenticeship training provider that offers a range of funded training solutions for schools. We support organisations in upskilling their staff through apprenticeship training programmes.
If you are interested in learning more about how LMP Education can support your school through funded training for staff, book a discovery call with a member of the team today!
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