English secondary schools must offer inclusion areas for neurodiverse and Send pupils

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Alexandra Topping Political correspondentFebruary 11, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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English secondary schools will be required to establish "inclusion bases" for neurodiverse students and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These designated areas will provide support outside of regular classrooms, forming a key part of the government's SEND support overhaul. This initiative is part of a £3.7 billion investment to create up to 60,000 specialized places in mainstream schools. The Department for Education will release new guidance this spring outlining expectations for improved inclusivity and accessibility, potentially including breakout rooms, sensory gardens, and improved facilities. While some welcome the move as vital for creating a sense of belonging, others emphasize existing legal duties for schools to make reasonable adjustments and the need for clarity regarding primary schools.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Save Our Children’s Rights 40% NAHT 40% IPSEA 50% Paul Whiteman 50% Madeleine Cassidy 60% Avnee Morjaria 60% Institute for Public Policy Research 60% Department for Education 70% United Kingdom ×290%

Keywords

special educational needs 100% neurodiversity 90% inclusion bases 90% secondary schools 70% inclusive education 70% send support 60% education, health and care plan 50% accessibility 50% equality act 40%

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Positive

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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England

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special educational needs neurodiversity inclusion bases secondary schools inclusive education send support education, health and care plan accessibility equality act

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