Special Educational Needs

This government is committed to encouraging schools to set up special educational needs (SEN) units or resourced provision to increase capacity in mainstream schools. These are SEN provisions within mainstream schools, formally recognised by the local authority and which receive high needs funding.

In December 2024, the department announced £740 million of capital investment to allow more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve and thrive in mainstream schools, including through SEN units and resourced provision.

SEN units and resourced provision have an important role to play in a more inclusive mainstream system, enabling children to benefit from and remain part of mainstream education and wider school life whilst still receiving the additional support that they need.

The department knows that there are many excellent examples of mainstream schools delivering specialist provision through SEN units and resourced provision and that schools and local authorities are interested in setting up more of this type of provision. We will work with the sector to increase capacity and extend best practice across the system.