Expanding SEND and Inclusion Support

Government’s Long-Term Plan for Education Reform

The publication of the schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, outlines the government’s comprehensive vision to reform the education system. The focus is on delivering higher standards and greater inclusion, addressing key challenges such as attainment, disadvantage, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and pupil attendance.

Key Initiatives for SEND and Inclusion

To enhance support within mainstream settings and enable earlier intervention, the government has introduced several significant changes to the current SEND framework:

• Inclusive Mainstream Fund: In addition to existing core SEND funding, schools will receive extra resources to facilitate targeted and small group interventions for children with additional needs.
• “Experts at Hand” Service: Schools will have access to a multi-agency support offer coordinated by local authorities. This includes specialists in speech and language, educational psychology, and occupational health, available for all children—even those without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• National Inclusion Standards: By 2028, an evidence-based digital library of resources will guide schools in meeting the needs of children, fostering consistency and best practice.
• Published Inclusion Strategy: Schools must produce an inclusion strategy detailing how resources are deployed to support children with SEND. This will replace the current SEN Information Reports.

Additionally, access to personalised support is evolving, with proposals for EHCPs to be reserved for only the most complex cases.

Reflection and Forward Planning for Schools and MATs

Over the next three years, these reforms will be phased in. Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are encouraged to consider how they support targeted and targeted plus children and young people (CYP) within this changing landscape.

Capita Entrust: Comprehensive Support for SEND and Inclusion

Capita Entrust’s team of highly experienced and qualified Education Professionals offer expertise across SEND and Inclusion, Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH), Computing and Digital Skills, Strategy, and Digital Transformation including Artificial Intelligence for schools. The team supports all aspects of SEND through bespoke training, consultancy, and individual pupil casework/assessment for over 150 schools and multiple local authorities—including Virtual Schools—delivered both face-to-face and virtually.

What Sets Capita Entrust Apart

• Values-Led & Person-Centred: The approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and individuality, ensuring every child’s unique needs are central to the support provided.
• Expertise You Can Trust: With extensive knowledge and experience, the team understands the complexities of SEND and its impact on learning and wellbeing. All customers rate the support as good or better.
• Evidence-Based Practice: The team utilises the latest developments to inform strategies and interventions, remaining at the forefront of best practice.
• Inclusion in Action: Inclusion is a genuine commitment, working collaboratively with schools and professionals to create environments where every child is seen, supported, and valued.
• Improving Outcomes: Staff are empowered to support all children, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed both in and outside the classroom.
• Capita Entrust provides accredited and non-accredited training that is current and relevant.

Pupil Casework

Experienced consultants support schools and settings through focused pupil casework. Collaboration is key, as consultants gather background information to inform assessments. Following virtual in-class observations, targeted recommendations for support are provided.

SENCo Consultation

Learning Support consultants provide bespoke support for SENCos and leaders of SEND and Inclusion via consultation. This includes assistance with the School Self Evaluation Form (SEF) and SEND Action Plan, policy and procedure reviews, implementation of the graduated approach, joint learning walks, and more. Support is tailored to strategic and operational needs within the SEND and Inclusion role.

Virtual and In-Person SENCo Support

Schools facing challenges with SEND provision, recruitment, or retention of SENCos may benefit from Entrust’s dedicated team of specialist teacher consultants. These experts can provide strategic and operational support to ensure SEND provision meets statutory requirements and supports quality provision for children. Support can cover long-term contracts, periods of leave, or unexpected staffing changes.

SEND Clinic

SEND clinics offer structured, problem-solving sessions where staff can discuss concerns about individual pupils’ behaviour or SEND needs and receive specialist advice, strategies, and next steps. This provides schools and settings with rapid access to expert guidance, alleviates staff stress, and promotes a consistent, relational approach across the school or setting.