Government to fund PE and sports access for SEND pupils

1 min read

Thursday 22 May 2025

This applies in England only.

The government has announced a new programme to improve access to school sports for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Inclusion 2028 will receive an initial £300,000 first-year funding and will aim to help 240,000 pupils with SEND. Teachers will receive training to deliver lessons that meet a diverse range of needs. Pupils will also have leadership opportunities to develop activities for their peers.

We welcome this new funding and hope it fulfills the government’s stated aim to improve attendance and making schools more inclusive to disabled children.

All children need the chance to play. Many disabled children and young people say that leisure and play – after school, in the holidays and at weekends – is the most important missing element in their lives. That’s why Contact puts on sports events as part of our Better Together programme.

Find out more about the Inclusion 2028 programme on the gov.uk website.