By Nicole Sherwood, Spencer Clarke Group
In every classroom, all children and young people deserve to feel seen, heard and supported regardless of their learning needs. The current SEND system is in need of urgent reform as waiting times for assessments are excruciatingly long and children’s needs are not being met.
With the recent discussions around inclusion and proposed changes to Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans, it’s important to consider the state of the educational infrastructure in the UK and the rising demands on mainstream schools.
Inclusion in mainstream schools is more critical and challenging than ever before, with a growing number of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) being educated in these settings.
In this blog we take a look at the challenges mainstream schools face in delivering genuine inclusion for pupils with SEND. From obstacles including training gaps and funding pressures, we will explore the best practices to improve policy and practice so that all students can thrive.
What challenges are mainstream schools facing?
Since the introduction of EHC plans in 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of children requiring additional support. According to GovUK, as of January 2025, there were 638,745 active EHC plans, a 10.8% rise compared to January 2024.
Specialist education settings face capacity constraints, making it increasingly difficult for students to access the support they require. This growing demand has placed immense pressure on mainstream schools as they struggle to meet needs due to limited resources, insufficient specialist training and stretched budgets.
Challenges facing mainstream schools:
What opportunities exist to strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools?
Despite the challenges, there are ways to improve inclusion in mainstream schools. While the most obvious solution may be expanding existing SEND schools and building new ones, it might not be the most effective solution.
For mainstream schools to successfully deliver genuine inclusion for pupils with SEND it’s important to create clear opportunities and improve outcomes through evidence-based practices and strategic policy changes.
Strengthening collaboration between mainstream and specialist schools can build staff confidence, improve early intervention and ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time.
Involving families in the planning and decision-making process and investing in high-quality training for all educators can also help schools meet diverse needs more effectively.
Improving training and embedding inclusive values in teacher education programs can ensure educators develop the mindset, skills and confidence needed to foster an inclusive school culture.
The impact of technology has opened up new opportunities for inclusion allowing students with SEND to participate more in mainstream education. Assistive tools, digital platforms and automation have helped break down barriers, enabling more children to access the curriculum, communicate with peers and engage in learning with their peers.
While reform in the SEND sector or amendment to EHC plans may take time, small changes to policy and practice can still promote inclusivity in mainstream schools.
About the author:
Nicole Sherwood is the Content Writer for specialist education recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group based in the North West. Operating nationwide, they help schools find experienced teaching and support staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm or permanent basis. Spencer Clarke Group was named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the 2024 Recruiter Awards.
