Following the announcement of the upcoming SEND reform and the introduction of the inclusive mainstream fund (IMF) the Department for Education (DfE) has advised that schools must publish an inclusion strategy by the end of 2026. This article will cover everything you need to know about creating an inclusion strategy and how you can ensure that your school is prepared for the upcoming changes to SEND provisions in schools.
What is the Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF)?
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.
What must an inclusion strategy include?
Your school’s inclusion strategy must discuss how your school aims to make use of its allocation of the IMF as well as detail of activity invested in to alleviate barriers to learning and participation and budgeted costs (we have provided a template you can use to help you develop your strategy). Schools must also cover their core budget allocation (including their notional SEN budget), to start building a more inclusive core offer for all children and young people, including those with SEND.
This should include taking meaningful steps to:
- build a strong universal offer that embeds inclusion within the core school offer – in line with the 7 principles of inclusion – and has a positive impact on attainment, progress in learning, wellbeing, belonging and engagement
- support the delivery of early, effective, targeted support for those who need it, without the need for formal assessment or diagnosis
How to create an inclusion strategy
The DfE has set out a clear 5 step process for creating your school’s inclusion strategy. The steps included are:
- Identifying and understanding the commonly occurring barriers to learning and participation pupils face
- Using evidence to consider inclusive practice
- Developing an effective strategy
- Delivering and monitoring your strategy
- Evaluating and sustaining your strategy
Upskill your staff to support an inclusive school
The new “universal offer” outlined in the SEND reform documentation is central to a stronger inclusive mainstream system is a universal offer built on high quality, adaptive teaching and whole-school practices that enable all children, including those who face barriers to learning and participation, to achieve and thrive.
A way schools can ensure that they are offering specialised adaptive teaching to all their pupils is by upskilling their existing staff. Apprenticeships and funded training programmes allow schools to upskill their staff within budget and while seeing immediate impact on pupils.
Specialist apprenticeship programmes
LMP Education, an award-winning training provider for the education sector offers a range of specialist apprenticeship programmes aimed at supporting inclusive schools. These include:
Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme is the natural progression route for teaching assistants who look to further their career in education. This programme offers learners the opportunity to specialise in a particular field of study such as SEND as well as social and emotional wellbeing, or specific curriculum provisions like early reading or EAL (English as an Additional Language).
Learn more about the Specialist Teaching Assistant programme.
Autism Support Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5
The Autism Support Practitioner Apprenticeship supports teaching assistants and support staff to become specialists in autism practice. You will learn how to understand and respond effectively to the needs of autistic pupils, remove barriers to learning and enable meaningful participation and inclusion.
Learn more about the Autism Support Practitioner Apprenticeship
Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5
Speech, language and communication needs are now the most common type of SEND in England, with over 1 in 4 pupils on SEN support identified with SLCN. That means schools need staff with the right knowledge and practical expertise to spot needs early, put effective support in place and help pupils access learning with confidence.
By investing in a Speech & Language Support Practitioner your school can further support pupils with complex needs with in-house expertise.
Learn more about the Speech & Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship
Early Intervention Specialist Level 4
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 and Multi Academy Trusts. We support organisations in upskilling their staff through apprenticeship training programmes.
To learn more about how LMP Education can support your school in creating your inclusion strategy, book a discovery call with a member our team today!
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