DfE Published Guidance on SEND Inclusion Bases and Inclusive Learning Spaces (United Kingdom, June 2026)
The Department for Education announced first-of-its-kind guidance on dedicated teaching and support spaces for children and young people with SEND.
The Department for Education announced first-of-its-kind guidance on dedicated teaching and support spaces for children and young people with SEND.
What Changed?
The guidance set expectations for inclusion bases and physical adaptations in schools, early years and post-16 settings, including that inclusion bases should be run by qualified teachers and not used as sanctions.
Old System vs New System
SEND support spaces and inclusion arrangements varied widely by setting and area, contributing to inconsistent provision and a postcode lottery for families.
Settings are given clearer guidance on designing inclusion bases and adapting physical spaces so more children with SEND can access mainstream education and targeted support.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students with SEND may receive more consistent access to specialist support while staying connected to mainstream classes and school life.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents can expect clearer information about what inclusive provision should look like and how support spaces should be used.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and colleges will need to review SEND spaces, staffing, curriculum access and inclusion-base practice against the new expectations.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers, SEND coordinators and support staff may need to adjust planning so inclusion bases provide targeted teaching and act as bridges into wider school life.
Key Dates
- Published: 2026-06-24
- guidance supports the commitment that every secondary school will
- in time
- have an inclusion base.
What To Do
- Settings should review SEND facilities
- identify adaptations needed and ensure inclusion bases are staffed and used in line with the guidance.
What To Watch Next
Watch for funding, estate guidance, local authority implementation plans and future SEND reform announcements.
Global Context
The update is internationally relevant as England moves toward more mainstream inclusion while trying to reduce uneven SEND provision.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Department for Education