Backed by £200 million, every teacher to receive training to support SEND pupils
In a press release today (16th January 2026) the DfE have announced a new requirement that every teacher receives training to support pupils with SEND, backed by £200 million training grant.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:
Every child, wherever they live and whatever their needs, should have the opportunity to go to a local school where they can achieve and thrive.
That’s why we’re equipping staff across every stage of education with more training on SEND and inclusion than ever before – helping to deliver our vision of a truly inclusive education system.
This is a key part of our mission to reform the SEND system so that schools can take children from forgotten to included and give parents the confidence that the right support will be there at every stage of their child’s education.
The Key Points
- A Massive Budget: The government is putting £200 million into a “landmark” training programme aimed at every stage of education—from nurseries and schools right through to colleges.
- Mandatory Training: For the first time, there will be a new expectation in the SEND Code of Practice that all staff in every setting should receive training on SEND and inclusion.
- Support for the Whole Workforce: It’s not just for lead teachers; the programme includes specific investment for Teaching Assistants (TAs) and early years practitioners, acknowledging that they are often the ones on the front line with pupils.
- Practical Skills: The training focuses on real-world tools, like assistive technology (speech-to-text tools) and practical strategies for speech, language, and visual needs.
- Flexible Learning: To help with teacher burnout and busy schedules, the training will be delivered through a mix of flexible online self-study and in-person sessions.
- Wider Reform: This is part of a bigger picture, including a £3 billion investment for 50,000 more inclusive spaces in mainstream schools.
What this means for Mental Health in Education (Next 12 Months)
While the training is specifically about SEND, the impact on mental health—for both students and staff—is likely to be quite significant over the coming year:
1. Reduced Stress for Students (and Parents) When a child’s needs aren’t met, it often leads to anxiety, frustration, and “school refusal.” By training teachers to spot needs early and adapt their teaching, we should see a decrease in the emotional distress students feel when they struggle to keep up. This “preventative” approach to mental health is a huge win.
2. Boosting Teacher Confidence and Wellbeing Almost half of teachers have said they don’t feel confident supporting SEND pupils. That lack of confidence leads to high stress and burnout. Over the next 12 months, as this training rolls out, we can expect to see staff feeling more empowered and less overwhelmed, which is a vital boost for staff mental health.
3. A More Inclusive “Vibe” in the Classroom The press release mentions building awareness of additional needs among all pupils. This is great for mental health because it fosters a culture of kindness and belonging. When children feel understood by their peers and “safe and welcome” (as the report puts it), their overall wellbeing naturally improves.
4. Better Early Intervention The focus on Early Years is crucial. By identifying needs in toddlers and young children, we can provide support before those challenges snowball into more complex mental health issues in later childhood.
The Bottom Line
In the next 12 months, we probably won’t see the whole system change overnight, but we should see a shift in the “weather” of the classroom. As teachers gain these new skills, the pressure valve should start to release, leading to calmer classrooms, more confident staff, and—most importantly—happier students who feel like they actually belong in their local school.
It’s definitely a “watch this space” moment for UK education, we’ll be giving you more information as and when it’s available. To receive all updates, ensure that you have signed up to our free membership.