At Bett UK 2026, a panel of leading voices came together to address one of the most pressing challenges in education today: the future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

In the session “SEND at a crossroads: Policy reform for accountable, sustainable inclusive education”, moderated by Samantha Booth, Deputy Editor of Schools Week, panellists explored both the immediate pressures facing schools and the long-term policy changes needed to build a truly inclusive system.

Set against a stark backdrop, including a projected £14 billion SEND deficit by 2028, rising demand for EHCPs, and increasing pressure on mainstream schools, the discussion focused on practical solutions as well as system-wide reform.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. Funding pressures and the risk of silos

A central theme was the growing gap between policy ambition and financial reality. Tania Tirraoro, founder of Special Needs Jungle, highlighted that the £6,000 delegated SEND budget has remained unchanged since 2009, meaning its real value has significantly declined.

Panellists also raised concerns around the rise of mainstream resource provisions or “units”. Without sufficient funding, evidence, and clear guidance, these risk creating internal segregation rather than meaningful inclusion.

Dr Sarah Moseley stressed the importance of:

• Clear entry and exit criteria

• Strong accountability

• A focus on integration rather than isolation

The key message was clear: without the right structure and investment, these approaches could unintentionally reinforce inequalities.

2. Rethinking ordinarily available provision

The panel challenged schools to move beyond treating SEND support as an add-on. Instead, inclusion should be embedded into the design of teaching and learning from the outset.

Dr Moseley highlighted that heavily text-based resources can create barriers for many learners. By making multiple formats standard, such as audio, visual, and interactive tools, schools can reduce barriers earlier and decrease reliance on EHCPs.

However, a major challenge remains. There is still no clear, shared definition of what “ordinarily available provision” looks like in practice, leaving schools and local authorities without consistent guidance.

3. Empowering students through technology

Technology was positioned as a key enabler of inclusion when implemented effectively. Dr Stella Scharinger explained how technology can give students greater autonomy, confidence, and ownership of their learning.

The panel outlined three practical principles:

• Normalise technology for all learners. Technology should be part of everyday classroom practice, not reserved for specific students

• Start small. Simple tools, such as built-in text-to-speech features, can have an immediate impact

• Invest in staff confidence. As Annamarie Hassall MBE, CEO of nasen, highlighted, ongoing training is essential to ensure staff feel confident using technology in real classroom settings

A further challenge discussed was infrastructure. Unequal access to reliable WiFi and broadband continues to limit the potential of technology in some schools and communities.

4. Final calls ahead of the SEND white paper

To close the session at Bett UK 2026, each panellist shared a key message for government ahead of the forthcoming SEND white paper:

• Protect children’s rights. Tania Tirraoro called for properly funded early intervention rather than reducing entitlements

• Reimagine education for a digital future. Annamarie Hassall urged a whole-system approach that places SEND at the centre

• Provide clarity and accountability. Dr Sarah Moseley emphasised the need for clear definitions of inclusive practice

• Keep the child at the centre. Dr Stella Scharinger reinforced the importance of prioritising equity and access in every decision

This session at Bett UK 2026 was a clear call to action. Creating a sustainable and inclusive SEND system will require:

• Clear and consistent policy

• Meaningful investment

• Confident and well-supported educators

• A commitment to designing education for every learner from the outset

Because when inclusion is built in from the start, it benefits everyone.

Across the Bett community, educators, leaders and specialists are already navigating these challenges every day, testing new approaches, adapting provision, and finding what truly works for their learners. How is your setting approaching SEND provision? What challenges are you facing, and what is making a real difference?

Join the conversation, share your experiences, and be part of shaping what inclusive education should look like next.