News

Keep up to date with all of the latest news, headlines and features from across the SEND sector.

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News listing

Turn Everyday Technology into Inclusive Teaching

May 2026

nasen and Concero have partnered to deliver exclusive accessibility training for school staff, helping you make the most of the tools already available in your school.

DfE Consults on New SEND Funding Model for Mainstream Schools

July 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a consultation on plans to change how funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is distributed in mainstream schools in England.

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Interim Review Highlights Growing Mental Health Pressures on Schools

July 2026

A major independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism has highlighted growing psychological distress among young people and raised important questions about how support is provided across education, health & public services.

New Free Resource Helps Schools Turn Inclusion Policy into Practice

July 2026

A free resource developed by the University of Cambridge, is offering education professionals practical support to strengthen inclusion and belonging across mainstream schools.

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New Autism and Employment Guides Launched to Support Young People

July 2026

Ambitious about Autism has launched a new series of autism and employment guides designed to help autistic young people build confidence, understand their rights, and successfully navigate the workplace

New EEF Inclusive Teaching Guidance Calls for Smarter Support, Not Lower Expectations

July 2026

Schools and colleges should focus on carefully planned adaptations and targeted support rather than lowering expectations for learners with additional needs, according to new guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

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Schools and Colleges Face Growing Mental Health Pressures as Referrals Top One Million

July 2026

Schools and colleges are being urged to play an even bigger role in supporting children’s mental health after a report revealed that more than one million young people were referred to mental health services in England during 2024-25.

Guidance on Inclusion Bases Aims to Strengthen Inclusion in Mainstream Schools

July 2026

The guidance sets out expectations for how schools can better meet the needs of pupils who require additional support, while ensuring they remain connected to mainstream education wherever possible.

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New Excellence in Reception Teaching Framework Issued

June 2026

The Excellence in Reception Teaching Framework highlights the essential knowledge and practice that early years professionals need to deliver strong outcomes for all children.

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Research project looking for lived experience

June 2026

Researchers are looking for young people and their families and carers, that have taken part in a Care (education) and Treatment Review, to give their lived experience as part of the CECiLiA project into improving them.

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Latest SEN stats released by DfE

June 2026

Over 1.8 million pupils in England have special educational needs (SEN). This is an increase of 91,400 (5.2%) pupils since 2025.

New free course from Words Matter helps improve positive communication with children

June 2026

Words Matter, the charity working to end childhood verbal abuse, has launched a free, first-of-its-kind online course to help parents, carers, educators & adults communicate with children in ways that support their mental health & wellbeing.
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More details released around ‘Experts at Hand’ promised in the SEND reform

June 2026

The DfE have announced that learners with SEND will get specialist support without needing a diagnosis, as the government begins rolling out a new Experts at Hand service.

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Updated tools and support for improving attendance

June 2026

The DfE have produced a new package of resources to help settings improve school attendance.

The Big Future Survey- engaging young people in shaping education and society

June 2026

The Children’s Commissioner for England has launched The Big Future survey to capture the views of children and young people across the country.



DfE releases new guidance on suspension and permanent exclusion

June 2026

The updated July 2026 Department for Education guidance on suspension and permanent exclusion is now available.

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Internet Matters launches new research today highlighting heightened online risks for children with additional needs

June 2026

Internet Matters has today launched its Every Child Safe Online: Additional Needs Research, highlighting that children with additional needs continue to face significantly higher levels of harm online.

Education Endowment Foundation publishes new evidence on improving school attendance

May 2026

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), in partnership with the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), has published four new evaluation reports examining approaches to improving attendance and reducing persistent absence in schools.

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Changes to eligibility for FSM for the 2026 to 2027 academic year

May 2026

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending maintained schools, academies and free schools will be entitled to receive a free meal.

nasen LIVE 2026. Agenda now live. 20 sessions. 40+ specialists speakers. One unmissable day for SEND professionals

nasen LIVE 2026 agenda now available

May 2026

The full agenda for nasen LIVE 2026 is now available, showcasing a packed day of seminars, panels and sector-led discussion for everyone working to support children and young people with SEND.