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Inclusion in mainstream schools 'at the heart' of new-look DfE's work

Improving inclusion in mainstream schools will be “at the heart” of the Department for Education’s work in the coming Parliament.
Welcome back: New education secretary Bridget Phillipson appoints Sir Kevan Collins to his three-year advisory role at the new-look Department for Education (image: DfE Press Office)

The DfE confirmed this week that responsibility for SEND and alternative provision is to be placed in the schools brief in a bid to ensure inclusion is a core consideration for policy decisions.

Under the previous government, SEND and alternative provision sat apart within the wider children and families brief.

In a statement, the DfE said: “The government has been clear that the education and care system does not currently meet the needs of all children, particularly those with SEND – with earlier interventions in mainstream schools key for those with less complex needs. 

“To ensure that improving inclusion in mainstream schools is at the heart of our plans to improve opportunity for those children with SEND, the education secretary has confirmed that the DfE will restructure so that SEND and alternative provision policy will come under the responsibility of the schools group.”

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