£200 million SEND training for all teaching staff

The government has unveiled its intention to provide SEND training to all teaching staff.

Backed by £200 million, new courses available to all teaching staff will deepen knowledge of how to adapt their teaching to meet a wide range of needs in the classroom, including visual impairments and speech and language needs.

Teachers will learn about the measures to transform how children access education, such as using assistive technology like speech to text dictation tools and building awareness of additional needs amongst all pupils, so every child can go on to succeed.

Underpinning the training will be a new expectation set out in the SEND Code of Practice, confirming that all staff in every nursery, school and college should receive training on SEND and inclusion – making sure that every teacher nationwide is reached.  

Tom Rees, Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Inclusion, said: "This investment is very welcome and an important step forward as we build a more high-performing and inclusive school system, in which all children can experience success at school. Building confidence and expertise across the school workforce is central to this reform, and high-quality and evidence-based professional development is one of the most effective ways we can achieve that.

"It is particularly positive that this training will reach the whole workforce, including teaching assistants and support staff, who play a vital role in supporting inclusion every day. A well-trained, supported workforce benefits all children, but it is especially important for children who find learning most difficult, so staff can have the knowledge and confidence to support them early and effectively." 

Delivered flexibly to slot into teachers’ busy schedules, the courses will promote practical skills about how to make education more inclusive, how to work effectively with parents, and how targeted support can ensure every student reaches their full potential.  

For experienced teachers and leaders this represents a marked shift. While existing training is wrapped around those new to the workforce and those stepping up into leadership roles, through initial and early teacher training or National Professional Qualifications, there is a clear gap in support for those in-post looking to build their skills further.  

The new training courses will help target this gap. Kicking off from next year, flexible online self-study sessions and live in-person lessons will be available, recognising the workforce’s already busy workload.  

Other key features of the training package include high-quality training materials, developed alongside experts, will be shared with every school and college to enable in-house training for all staff on SEND and inclusion. 

It includes investment in training for teaching assistants, developed in collaboration with the sector over the coming months – ensuring support staff feel equipped and confident to support all students with SEND.  

There will also be a new Early Years CPD programme, providing free, accessible training focused on inclusive practice, child development, and practical strategies for supporting children with SEND – available to all early years practitioners.