Commenting as the government outlines details of a £4bn investment it says will help make every school truly inclusive for pupils with SEND ahead of the launch of its Schools White Paper tomorrow, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“Schools are passionate about providing an inclusive learning environment for all pupils, including children with additional needs, but too often they are hamstrung by shortages of funding and difficulties accessing specialist support.

“We welcome the principle of more pupils being able to receive support in their local mainstream school, along with this significant investment, and we will be scrutinising the details closely and speaking to school leaders to weigh up whether it is sufficient.

“There will always be some pupils whose needs are so great that they require support in a special school, and it’s crucial the government’s plans ensure all children get the support they need at the right time in the right setting.”