As more details about the Department for Education’s (DfE) Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (DfE) reform are revealed, schools are working to get ahead of the changes.
The “Every child achieving and thriving” whitepaper and the “SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First” consultation document outlined a range of changes to how SEND support is delivered across all schools. Part of the plan is to introduce a new baseline for mainstream schools and have introduced the Experts at Hand programme to support.
While the changes presented are set to be implemented over the course of the next few years, the DfE has announced that schools must publish an inclusion strategy statement by 31 December 2026. This article will cover what you need to know about the new expected baseline for schools in England, and how your school can prepare for the changes.
A universal SEND offer
The new SEND reform document introduced the concept of a “Universal Offer” with an aim to establish a new consistent baseline of inclusion in mainstream schools. This was done in response to the current “postcode lottery” which leads pupils to receive a different level of support depending on what area they live in.
Some requirements of the universal offer include providing high-quality adaptive teaching in all schools, “ordinarily available” provision and staff training, aimed at meeting most children’s needs without needing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
The baseline will set a new national standard for SEND education, setting clear expectations for what mainstream schools must deliver. These expectations will be supported by mandatory requirements such as ensuring all staff is trained on SEND and inclusion and implementing an Inclusion Strategy. While not confirmed as of yet, these requirements are likely to be part of future Ofsted inspections.
Experts at Hand
To support schools, the DfE has pledged £1.8 billion for direct access to specialists such as speech and language therapists. This targeted, evidence-based support aims to enhance support for children with SEND. The programme is designed to bring specialists directly into educational settings to help staff create Individual Support Plans.
Get ahead of SEND training requirements
A key part of the universal offer message is ensuing that schools have available support for all pupils as part of their standard offer. A great way to get ahead of this requirement is by recruiting specialists or upskilling existing staff. Apprenticeships are one way in which schools can develop their SEND and specialist offer. These funded training programmes are a cost-effective way to provide training or recruit new staff and help schools to develop their workforce.
LMP Education’s SEND and inclusion offer
LMP Education is an award-winning apprenticeship training provider experienced in working with the education sector. We have a range of SEND training programmes available for schools, from SEND Teaching Assistant pathways to Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programmes.
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3
Taking on a Teaching Assistant Apprentice is a valuable investment for employers looking to strengthen their team and nurture future talent in the education sector. This programme includes a brand-new curriculum with embedded SEND modules to support classroom learning.
Learn more about the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway Apprenticeship Level 3
Taking on a SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice is a valuable investment for employers looking to strengthen their team and nurture future talent in the education sector.
In this bespoke programme, apprentices are trained with a focus on inclusion, differentiation, communication strategies, and behaviour management, all vital for supporting SEND pupils. This programme includes an additional Level 2 qualification accredited by NCFE to deepen SEND expertise.
Learn more about the Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway Apprenticeship
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5
Having a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant on your team is a huge asset for any school. These are highly skilled professionals who go beyond general classroom support to provide targeted, strategic input, especially in areas like SEND, literacy, numeracy, behaviour and intervention work. Level 5 TAs have in-depth training in specific areas (e.g., autism, speech & language, SEMH, dyslexia), meaning they can provide more effective support for individual pupil needs.
Learn more about the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Pastoral Support Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 4
This new 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. Supporting early identification of barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing, which underpins pupils’ ability to access the curriculum.
Learn more about the Pastoral Support Practitioner Apprenticeship
Funded recruitment service
LMP Education can support your school in finding the right candidate for you with our funded recruitment service. We will help you through the entire recruitment process, from job posting to hiring at no cost!
To learn more about how LMP Education can help your school, book a discovery call today!
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