Small Class Sizes
The new government SEND framework is due to be fully released in February 2026. Even before the full details land, early announcements are already shaping the conversation — especially the push for more children and young people with SEND to be supported in mainstream schools.
On paper, that sounds like progress. Many families want mainstream for lots of good reasons: friendships, local community, routine, siblings in the same school, and a sense of belonging.
But inclusion only works when it comes with real choice and the right support. Otherwise, “mainstream for more” becomes “mainstream no matter what” — and that’s not fair on children, parents, or staff.
Alternative Provision UK and SEND support education: what’s been missed
One of the most talked-about ideas so far is more purpose-built sensory areas in mainstream settings. Some schools already have IRs (Integrated Resources) — and when they’re staffed properly, they can be brilliant. Specialist training, the right environment, and clear routines can make a huge difference.
But there’s a risk the framework focuses too heavily on spaces and labels, and not enough on what actually changes outcomes day to day.
At KRS Education, we’re often asked why we have success with students who have been unsuccessful in school.
A lot of the time, the answer is simple:
Class size.
In many mainstream classrooms, you can have 1 member of staff to 30+ students. In our provision, our largest group is 8 students to 1 staff member — and we often have another staff member nearby.
That changes everything.
It means we can build relationships, spot triggers early, adapt in the moment, and deliver support that actually matches the young person in front of us — not the “average” learner a system is built around.
Stop overthinking it: smaller numbers and better support
Education can get complicated fast. Frameworks, pathways, panels, thresholds, paperwork.
But when you strip it back, most SEND support education comes down to a few basics:
- Enough adults
- Small enough groups
- Staff who are trained and supported
- Plans that are personal and realistic
- A clear route into post-16 that fits the young person
If the new SEND framework is serious about inclusion, it has to be serious about resourcing.
Because you can’t “policy” your way out of a staffing problem.
5 things mainstream schools should do (if budgets allowed)
If mainstream schools had the budget and freedom to build SEND support properly, these are five changes that would move the needle quickly:
- Train staff properly (and keep training them): SEND and SEMH needs aren’t a one-off CPD session. Staff need practical tools, coaching, and time to embed what they learn.
- Reduce class sizes where SEND needs are higher: Smaller groups aren’t a luxury — they’re often the difference between coping and crisis.
- Create truly bespoke ILPs (and deliver them): An ILP should be a working plan, not a document that sits in a folder. It needs time, staffing, and regular review.
- Plan early for post-16 outcomes: Don’t wait until Year 11 to talk about next steps. Build confidence, attendance, and qualifications with a clear destination in mind.
- Teach coping tools and use the right support tools: Emotional regulation strategies, sensory supports, routines, movement breaks, assistive tech — and staff who know how to use them consistently.
Inclusion means choice — not pressure
Some children thrive in mainstream with the right support. Some need alternative provision. Some need a blended approach.
Real inclusion means families aren’t forced into one route because it’s cheaper, quicker, or easier to manage.
It means fair choice — backed by proper funding and practical support.
A final thought
People don’t need to overthink education.
A song once said, children are our future.
If we truly believe that, then we need to start treating SEND support like it matters as much as anything else we fund.
Because when we get the basics right — staffing, training, smaller numbers, and personalised support — young people don’t just “cope”.
They progress.
Useful Links
200m for SEND places