Overview

• The Inclusion In Practice review published July 3 identifies pockets of promising inclusive practice alongside wide variations in training, support and resources across mainstream schools
• Department for Education data show 638,745 EHCPs in January, a 10.8% year-on-year increase that underscores growing pressure on the SEND system
• Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned the SEND system is desperately struggling to cope with rising demand and inconsistent provision
• The government has committed to an autumn white paper outlining its Plan for Change, featuring a three-tier support framework and clearer accountability for mainstream settings
• Adviser Tom Rees called for children’s needs rather than labels to be put at the centre of SEND, urging sharper use of evidence and expanded training to scale best practices