DfE adds EEF resources to Inclusion Fund Guidance for schools in England

The August 7 update points leaders to evidence on inclusive teaching and targeted programs as they prepare strategies for publication by December 31 for students with SEND

Schools in England must publish their inclusion strategies by December 31, 2026

The Department for Education has updated its Inclusive Mainstream Fund guidance for schools in England, adding two Education Endowment Foundation resources for leaders planning whole-school approaches and targeted support.

The August 7 revision adds the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guide to inclusive teaching and its Promising Programmes list. The first covers universal provision alongside adaptations and additional support, while the second provides information on evidence-based targeted programs.

EEF resources cover universal and targeted provision

The EEF guide presents a two-part model for inclusive teaching. It covers universal approaches for all pupils and the adaptations or additional support that may be required when the universal offer is not sufficient.

Topics include scaffolding, positive relationships, calm classroom environments and targeted interventions. The DfE says schools may find the guide useful when deciding how to use their Inclusive Mainstream Fund allocation.

The Promising Programmes list is included as a source of information on evidence-based targeted programs that have shown promising results for pupil attainment. Schools can consult it when selecting support for pupils whose needs cannot be met through universal provision alone.

Both resources sit within the fund’s existing framework. Schools are expected to identify commonly occurring and predictable barriers to learning within their cohorts, use evidence to select appropriate approaches and focus on implementing fewer approaches well.

The guidance places high-quality, adaptive teaching at the center of the universal offer. Its seven principles also cover leadership and governance, early support, accessible enrichment, safe school cultures, partnerships with families and services, and continued improvements to accessibility.

Technology remains one possible use of the funding rather than the focus of the August update. Existing guidance says schools may use their allocations for staff training in technology that supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities or to improve carefully selected technology intended to address particular needs.

December publication deadline remains in place

The existing five-step planning process asks schools to identify barriers, use evidence, develop a focused strategy, monitor measurable outcomes and evaluate which approaches should be sustained.

A DfE template is available to support this work. Schools must publish their inclusion strategies on their websites by December 31, 2026, explaining how they will use Inclusive Mainstream Fund funding to strengthen their universal offer and remove barriers to learning.