Today, the Department for Education (DfE) has released the first set of SEND and inclusion training courses and materials for all early years settings, mainstream schools and post-16 settings.

We know training on SEND is a priority for education settings across the country. That is why, as part of the government's £200 million investment in SEND professional development, the Department has launched two complementary professional development offers:

• A new, free online training package on SEND and inclusion for early years educators;
• The first set of SEND In-House Training Materials for schools and post-16 settings.

The publication of this training and materials marks the first part of a wider SEND training offer. Further SEND In-House Training Materials are planned later in the academic year, with new free SEND training courses for teachers, leaders, teaching assistants and FE support staff planned from autumn 2027. The next phase of early years training will also launch in autumn 2027 and will supplement further online training with interactive webinars and a new local support offer. 

Online training package for early years educators 

Funded by the Department for Education and developed and delivered by Dingley’s Promise, the new online early years training is designed for all early years educators working with children aged 0-4 to strengthen inclusive practice and better identify and support the needs of children with SEND. The online courses can be accessed in a flexible way and are suitable for early years educators of all levels and in all types of settings, including childminders. 

Early years educators will gain an understanding of the importance and benefits of an inclusive culture for all children as well as practical strategies to strengthen inclusive practice in their own settings. Modules on building strong, collaborative relationships with families and other professionals will support staff to gain a deeper understanding of how to meet all children’s needs and provide more tailored support. 

These materials are available at: Early Years CPD Training - Dingley's Promise

In House Training materials for schools and post-16 settings

Developed by Ambition Institute, the materials for schools and post-16 settings are intended to support leaders, teachers and support staff, including teaching assistants, to unite around a shared understanding of inclusion and agree approaches that help learners to belong, achieve and thrive. The materials can be adapted and edited to reflect local needs and priorities.  

The first set of materials for schools and post 16 settings includes: 

• introductory content on SEND reform and inclusive teaching; 

• an introduction to the proposed Areas of Development; 

• speech, language and communication development materials; and 

• facilitator guidance and supporting resources.  

The materials are available on GOV.UK:

• Schools: SEND and Inclusion Training for Mainstream Schools
• Post-16 settings: SEND and Inclusion Training for Post-16 Settings

Universal SEND Services – Neurodiversity CPD 

Alongside these new SEND CPD materials, schools and post-16 settings can continue to access the Universal SEND Services training programme. On 29 September, new neurodiversity ‘train the trainer‘ materials are being published to support schools and post-16 settings to embed a strong understanding of neurodiversity across the whole setting’s approach to inclusion.  

From 29 September, you will be able to access the materials here: https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/page/neurodiversity-awareness