We are pleased to share Hampshire's new resource, Practical Planning and Development of Inclusion Strategy for Hampshire Schools, developed to support schools in meeting the condition of the Department for Education's Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) that all schools in receipt of the IMF must publish an Inclusion Strategy by 31 December 2026.

The document has been designed to support schools in developing a meaningful, evidence-informed Inclusion Strategy that reflects both national expectations and local priorities. Aligned with the Department for Education's principles of inclusion and Hampshire's Approach to Inclusion, it draws upon current evidence, research and effective practice while recognising that no two schools are the same.

To further support schools, we are also offering two free countywide Inclusion Strategy: Practical Planning and Development webinars:

·       Monday 23 November 2026, 3.00pm-4.30pm

·       Thursday 26 November 2026, 3.00pm-4.30pm

Book your place via our online booking form: Inclusion Strategy Practical Planning and Development Webinar 2026 – Fill in form

These webinars will provide an overview of the guidance document, explore the key messages and evidence base, highlight practical approaches to strategy development, and provide opportunities for discussion and reflection. They are suitable for headteachers, inclusion leaders, SENDCos and senior leaders with responsibility for inclusion.

We encourage all schools to engage with the guidance and take advantage of these support opportunities over the coming weeks. 

Virtual meetings to update on key issues pertinent to the SENDCo in schools, including updates both nationally and on a county level, and information from local authority officers. 

·       Understand local and national issues. 

·       Understand any impending changes or publications. 

·       Understand the services and support on offer. 

·       To inform on any statutory guidance queries. 

·       To ensure best practice is understood and shared. 

Autumn

Date: 7 October 2026 
Search and book on the Learning Zone using keyword search: Primary SENDCo Autumn
Price: Sub £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48

Spring

Date: 4 February 2027
Search and book on the Learning Zone using keyword search: Primary SENDCo Spring
Price: Sub £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48 

Summer

Date: 22 April 2027 
Search and book on the Learning Zone using keyword search: Primary SENDCo Summer 
Price: Sub £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48 

Virtual meeting to update on key issues pertinent to the SENDCo in schools, including updates both nationally and on a county level, and information from Local Authority officers. 

Learning outcomes

·       Understand local and national issues. 

·       Understand any impending changes or publications. 

·       Understanding the services and support on offer. 

·       To inform on any statutory guidance queries. 

·       To ensure best practice is understood and shared. 

Autumn

Date: 7 October 2026
Price: Sub £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48
Keyword Search: Primary SENDCo Autumn

Spring

Date: 4 February 2027
Price: Sub £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48
Keyword Search: Primary SENDCo Spring

Summer

Date: 22 April 2027
Price: £40 / SLA £25 / Full £48
Keyword Search: Primary SENDCo Summer 

We are pleased to share this edition which will focus on ordinarily available provision.

Link to SEN Matters Summer 2025.

We are pleased to introduce the SEND Youth Forum, a participation platform to be co-designed with young people aged 14 to 25. This exciting initiative aims to empower and engage young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by providing them with a space to voice their opinions, share experiences, and drive positive change in Hampshire.

What is the SEND Youth Forum? 

The SEND Youth Forum is a collaborative space where young people can connect, learn, and advocate for their rights. The forum will focus on issues that matter to them and will feedback into workstreams across Hampshire to impact service delivery and strategic decisions.

• Inclusivity

The forum welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. It is not a requirement to have a formal diagnosis or EHC (Education, Health and Care) Plan to be able to join the forum - the voice of all young people with SEND matters.

• Virtual and Face to Face

The forum will operate online and in person, allowing all young people to participate. Decisions on the format and location of meetings will be co-produced with young people to enable them to engage in discussions, attend events, and contribute to meaningful projects.

• Peer Support

An opportunity for young people to connect with fellow young advocates who understand the challenges faced by those with SEND. An opportunity to share stories, offer encouragement, and build a supportive network.

Raising Awareness

As you will already have active participants in School Council and Learner Voice groups, you may be aware of young people with SEND who would benefit from this opportunity. Please share this information and encourage these young people (aged 14 and above) to join the forum and be part of a community that amplifies their voices, particularly with any Year 11 learners who will be moving onto Post 16 settings soon.

By encouraging young people to participate, this will empower them to take an active role in shaping their own futures. Insights from the forum will also support educational practices, curriculum development, support services and provide young people with a sense of ownership in contributing to key decision making.

How Can Young People Get Involved?

Please encourage young people to register their interest online at: https://forms.office.com/e/hQNNCY1nau

Or by scanning the QR Code below:

An initial online meeting will then take place with all interested participants to discuss plans further.

For more information or any questions, please contact: SEND.Emp@hants.gov.uk