Parents get main replace on college classroom revamps below multi-billion plan
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is poised to publish her Schools White Paper within weeks that will overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system
Today’s announcements are part of the government’s £38bn investment in the education estate(Image: Getty Images)
All secondary schools will be ordered to revamp classrooms to accommodate children with extra needs under a major plan to make the education estate fit for the future.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is poised to publish her Schools White Paper within weeks, which will set out plans to overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and make mainstream schools more inclusive.
Ahead of its release, the Cabinet minister will on Wednesday announce compulsory plans for all secondary schools to have inclusion bases for children with SEND.
The Department for Education (DfE) is issuing new guidance and design specifications for all schools to create the specialist spaces. It will cover comfortable lighting and acoustics, breakout rooms for interventions and outdoor spaces with quiet and active areas.
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In December, Ms Phillipson announced £3billion to create some 50,000 new inclusion places in mainstream schools. Her latest announcement – which introduces the compulsory element – adds an extra £700million and 10,000 further places.
The Government has already announced £3.7billion to fund some 60,000 new inclusion spaces. Many schools already provide inclusion bases, often known as special educational needs units or pupil support units.
The commitment comes alongside the launch of the government’s ten-year Education Estates Strategy, which will tackle schools that are crumbling, overheating or simply not fit for purpose.
Some £300m has been set out to boost internet speed in classrooms to prepare for the tech-driven future, while £700m will help schools proactively tackle estate issues, such as fixing leaking roofs and broken heating systems.
Today’s announcements are part of the government’s £38bn investment in the education estate from 2025-26 to 2029-30, which also includes funding for the expansion of the school rebuilding programme.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “For too long, schools and colleges have been forced to patch and mend buildings that have already deteriorated – spending their time worrying about leaking roofs instead of focusing on what matters most: giving every child the best possible education.
“This 10-year plan marks a turning point. This is about more than buildings – it’s about breaking down barriers to opportunity. Every child deserves to learn in a safe, accessible environment, with the right facilities to meet their needs and help them thrive.”
