We call on the Government to introduce mandatory, properly funded training in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for all staff in state-funded schools, including teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, volunteers and senior leaders.

This training should provide practical guidance on supporting neurodivergent pupils and children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, speech and language needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, and learning disabilities.

We further call on the Government to require all trainee teachers to complete a minimum half-term placement in a SEND setting before qualifying, to ensure meaningful experience and understanding of inclusive practice.

Reasons for the petition:

Many children with SEND are not receiving appropriate support in schools due to insufficient training and understanding among staff. This often leads to unmet needs, inappropriate behaviour sanctions, exclusions, school refusal, and serious impacts on children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils to prevent substantial disadvantage. However, these duties are frequently not met in practice, in part because staff are not adequately trained to identify needs or implement adjustments effectively. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are also inconsistently applied, leaving parents to repeatedly challenge schools for basic support.

Mandatory SEND training, alongside compulsory SEND placements during teacher training, would support schools to meet their legal obligations, improve inclusion, reduce exclusions, and ensure better long-term outcomes for children with additional needs.