DfE announces expectation for secondary schools to establish “inclusion bases”

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that, over time, all secondary schools will be expected to establish “inclusion bases”. These bases are intended to provide dedicated spaces where pupils can access targeted support that bridges mainstream and specialist provision.

The proposal sits within the government’s wider drive to increase inclusion in mainstream settings and comes ahead of the delayed schools white paper, which is expected to set out broader SEND reforms.

The DfE has described the rollout as an “ambition”, and operational details remain limited.

Two models are proposed:

• Support bases, commissioned and funded by individual schools or academy trusts.
• Specialist bases, commissioned and funded by local authorities.

Many schools already operate similar provision (e.g. SEN units or pupil support units), which the DfE says have demonstrated positive impact. The department has indicated that inclusion bases may involve repurposing existing space (such as spare classrooms) or creating additional facilities. New guidance is expected this spring on adapting mainstream settings to improve accessibility and inclusivity, including breakout rooms, sensory gardens, accessible changing facilities, and improvements to lighting, acoustics and ventilation. Funding arrangements have not yet been published.