The UK government has mandated that all secondary schools in England must create designated inclusion areas tailored for neurodiverse students and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These areas, referred to as 'inclusion bases,' are intended to offer support away from traditional classrooms and are integral to a broader governmental strategy aimed at enhancing educational inclusivity. This initiative comes in the lead-up to a significant schools white paper, which is expected to detail substantial policy changes related to SEND provision.

The push for these inclusion bases has gained momentum as ministers seek to promote a more inclusive educational environment, highlighting the government's commitment to reforming SEND support amidst concerns from various advocacy groups and affected families. There is a heightened level of public interest in this initiative, as the provision of SEND support is frequently raised with MPs, indicating its importance to many constituents. A notable concern among parents and advocates stems from potential changes in qualifying criteria for education, health, and care plans, which may limit access to additional support for some children.

While some schools already have these inclusion bases in place, the government's formal requirement marks a significant step towards ensuring that all secondary institutions are equipped to support neurodiverse students and those with additional needs. The anticipated backlash regarding the rising eligibility standards is a point of contention, which could affect the government's broader educational reforms if not addressed constructively. As the deadline for implementing these changes approaches, the impact on educational equity and support systems for vulnerable students will be closely scrutinized by stakeholders across the education sector.