Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 51
51
Accepted in Part
Provide comprehensive training within ITT and clear guidance for inclusive education practices.
Conclusion
The Department should provide comprehensive training within ITT and clear guidance for schools, multi-academy trusts and education staff on delivering inclusive education practice. This will ensure that all settings understand their legal obligations and are equipped to make the necessary accommodations to support pupils with SEND effectively. Embedding this knowledge is crucial for promoting inclusive practices, preventing discrimination, and fostering environments where every child can thrive. (Recommendation, Paragraph 204)
Government Response Summary
The government has introduced the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) and the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) with enhanced SEND statements, and committed to providing targeted support for ECTs in special schools, partially addressing the need for training. A full review of the ECTE/ITTECF is planned for 2027.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
In schools, we want to make sure teachers can access high quality professional development that supports them to deliver the best teaching for all pupils, including those with SEND. We are considering how we can improve professional development for all teachers, from Initial Teacher training and early career support through to leadership. In September 2025, building on the support available to early career teachers, we introduced the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE). The ECTE revised and improved the delivery of what we formerly referred to as the ECF programme. Changes were introduced including moving to a combined framework to create a joined-up programme of development, which covers the first three years or more at the start of a teacher’s career. The ECTE is underpinned by the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) which contains new and enhanced framework statements relating to adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with SEND. We have also committed to providing targeted support and further resources for ECTs in special schools. This will ensure that the ECTE will help to create a more supportive and effective environment for ECTs teaching pupils with SEND, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those pupils. We recognise that continuous improvement is essential in order to transform the training and support for all new teachers, and to review the experiences and needs of ECTs as well as trainees. That’s why we are committing to a full review of the delivery of the ECTE, including the content of the ITTECF, in 2027 to ensure it continues to provide the best possible support for ECTs based on the most up to date evidence. We know that it’s crucial that ECTs feel supported in teaching pupils with SEND which is why we will also review our approach to SEND, and the support we provide ECTs in teaching pupils with SEND.