SEND reform and estates

Arguably the most significant and complex areas of the SoS White Paper : Every Child Achieving and Thriving which sets out a 10 year vision for education in England, is SEND reform. The consultation document SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First commits to a more inclusive mainstream school system, not only with professionals in mainstream schools and early years settings and individual Support Plans, but also a capital investment of £3.7bn between 2025-2026 and 2029-30 to create specialist places, inclusion bases in mainstream schools, and adaptations for existing school estates to be more accessible. 

I'm sure many Trusts will be considering if their current estate meets the government's expectations, and many will be looking to create/re-purpose on-site inclusion bases which meet inclusive building design standards to ensure settings are physically accommodating, climate-resilient, and digitally connected. The case for change is compelling and necessary; and funding can be secured through the Inclusive Mainstream Fund, Capital Grants/Community Hub Grants. 

For assistance with future proofing your education estate do contact one of our education property experts.