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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 26 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's document entitled Inclusive education estates, published on 25 June 2026, whether the guidance is mandatory for schools, early years settings and post-16 providers.

Answer

We know that the physical environment of education settings can have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing and engagement of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is why we have published dedicated guidance on inclusive education estates, to support local authorities, responsible bodies and mainstream settings in identifying the most affordable, high-impact adaptations for their context, based on pupils’ needs and the opportunities within the estate.

This is non-statutory guidance, but reflects the government's commitment to improving the inclusivity and accessibility of the education estates and is supported by £3.7 billion in high needs capital funding between 2025/26 and 2029/30. Alongside expanding access to inclusion bases and special schools, local areas can use this funding to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream settings for pupils with SEND.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13621
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Special educational needs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk