Children: Neurodiversity

The department has recently consulted on proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, including proposals to improve early identification and ensure children and young people get the support they need. We are carefully reviewing and considering all responses and will set out our response in due course.

Subject to the outcome of consultation, the National Inclusion Standards will set out what ordinarily available provision should be in every setting across the 0 to 25 system, as well as the evidence-based tools, strategies and approaches for educators to draw on to identify and support children and young people with SEND, including neurodivergent children.

The National Inclusion Standards will include whole school, universal approaches to support inclusion, as well as tools and approaches to identify and respond to needs through the targeted and targeted plus layers of support.

The proposals are that Individual Support Plans (ISP) will provide every child and young person with special educational needs a clear and consistent record of their needs and the help they receive. This will ensure that the support they receive is joined up and timely, helping them thrive.

Moreover, staff in every nursery, school, and college will receive training on SEND and inclusion, backed by over £200 million in investment, with all teachers, leaders, and teaching assistants and support staff benefiting from new training.