84% of parents back planned SEND reforms as schools prepare for major inclusion changes

Exclusive polling suggests strong support for new SEND reforms, but parents say access to support remains inconsistent and experts warn delivery will be crucial.

Ear Defenders Or Headphones And Fidget Toy To Help Child With ASD Or Autism On Table In School Classroom

Published: June 25, 2026 at 8:41 AM

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Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could soon see more support built into their everyday school experience, under new government plans aimed at making mainstream education more inclusive.

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Exclusive polling shared with MadeForMums found that 84% of parents support the government's proposed reforms to SEND provision in mainstream schools. The survey, commissioned on behalf of the Department for Education, questioned 1,018 parents of children aged 0 to 18 across England between 29 May and 1 June 2026.

The reforms are part of a wider government effort to improve SEND support and reduce what ministers describe as a "postcode lottery" that has left many families struggling to access help close to home.

What changes could families see in schools?

For the first time, schools, colleges and early years settings will be given detailed guidance on how to make their environments more inclusive for children and young people with SEND.

One of the biggest changes is the long-term ambition for every secondary school to have an inclusion base, a dedicated space where pupils can access specialist support and targeted teaching while remaining part of mainstream school life.

According to the Department for Education, these bases will:

The government says the aim is to help children remain connected to their school community while receiving the support they need.

Calmer spaces and more SEND-friendly classrooms

In a bright, friendly therapy room, a young boy with autism interacts with a tactile sensory toy.

The reforms are not just about specialist spaces.

New Inclusive Estates guidance will encourage schools and early years settings to review how children with SEND experience the physical environment throughout the day.

Suggested changes include:

Schools will also be encouraged to use "Day in the Life" reviews, helping staff understand potential barriers children may face as they move through the school day.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Every child and young person deserves to feel included, without fighting for the support they need to succeed.

"We are giving schools a clear, practical blueprint to become truly inclusive, from calmer classrooms and sensory-friendly spaces, to specialist support embedded right in the heart of the school, so children can learn alongside their peers rather than miles from home."

Could this make a difference for families?

Female support worker assisting child with special educational needs, writing in his book as he watches and concentrates

The Department for Education points to examples where inclusion bases are already operating successfully.

In Sheffield, autistic pupils supported through an inclusion base can access up to 100% of mainstream lessons alongside tailored support.

In Nottinghamshire, 80% of pupils attending a base achieve strong passes in GCSE English and Maths.

Meanwhile, in Oxfordshire, pupils using a base average 93% attendance, including some children who previously struggled to attend school regularly.

Separate government figures also suggest that among parents whose child attends, or wants to attend, an inclusion base, 80% report a positive experience.

I am incredibly proud of what we are delivering for children and young people with SEND, and the fact that eight in ten parents back our approach shows we are on the right track. But we won't stop listening. As we progress with our proposals, we will keep working hand in hand with parents and carers to make sure every child gets the support they need to thrive.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson

But while ministers point to successful examples already operating around the country, some parents say access to support remains inconsistent depending on where a child lives and attends school.

Parents say experiences still vary widely

A dedicated female nurse supports a young autistic boy using sensory toys to enhance motor abilities.

While the Department for Education's polling suggests strong support for the proposed reforms, parents told MadeForMums that experiences of SEND support can differ dramatically between schools.

For some families, simple adjustments and dedicated spaces are already making a significant difference.

Charlie Punter, whose son is autistic, said her school has worked hard to tailor support to his needs.

"The work sheets have been the biggest help for him. He's able to push himself beyond his year group and is staying engaged with the class."

She also praised the school's sensory room, saying it has been "a brilliant addition" that helps children regulate their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. "I'd love to see more things like this in other schools," she added.

However, other parents said support can still be inconsistent, particularly when resources are stretched.

Hannah Hutchings said her son, who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), attends a school with a communication base but has struggled to access additional support.

I feel more educated when it comes to SEN children than their school.

Mum of 2 children with SEND, Kimberley Adamson

"My son quietly survives, breaks the second he's out of school. School just say he's 'fine' there."

She said it took four years before the school introduced a short sensory room session at the end of the day to help him regulate before going home.

Meanwhile, another parent, Kimberley Adamson, described long waits for support and difficulties accessing specialist provision for her children.

"I feel more educated when it comes to SEN children than their school."

Parents and professionals also highlighted smaller practical changes that could make a difference. Philippa Jane, who works with children unable to attend mainstream school, said sensory issues linked to school uniforms are often overlooked.

"A lot of my students would benefit from the old school style from the 90s/00s with school polo, jumper and fleece. It would be such a small change for schools but make such a major difference to children with sensory and heat difficulties."

Experts say delivery will be crucial

While the proposals have been welcomed by organisations working with children and young people with SEND, some experts say the real test will be how consistently they are implemented across the country.

Kiran Gill, Founder and Chief Executive of The Difference, welcomed the focus on inclusion but stressed that schools will need the resources and support to make the changes work in practice.

The challenge now is to make inclusion real everywhere, and to measure it, so it stops being a postcode lottery.

Kiran Gill, Founder and Chief Executive, The Difference

Gill said: "Every child deserves to belong in their school, not to be left out of lessons, trips and friendships. The Difference welcomes guidance that designs schools around children with wellbeing and safeguarding needs and is clear that inclusion bases should be a bridge into mainstream learning, never a sanction. Teachers want this for every child – so it must come with the training, time and specialist support to make it possible."

What happens next?

The guidance has been developed with organisations including the Council for Disabled Children and Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs), alongside input from schools, local authorities, children and parents.

Schools receiving funding through the government's £500 million Inclusive Mainstream Fund will be expected to publish an Inclusion Strategy on their website by 31 December 2026, outlining how they plan to support all learners.

The guidance sits alongside wider SEND reforms currently being developed through the proposed Education for All Bill. These proposals include a new legal duty to create an Individual Support Plan for every child and young person with SEND.

For many parents, the key question will be whether the changes translate into faster access to support and a more consistent experience, regardless of where they live. While the reforms are still being rolled out, the government's message is clear: inclusion should become part of everyday school life, not something families have to fight for.

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Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!

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