Government capital funding earmarked to create more SEND places in mainstream schools but teacher training remains crucial

10 December 2024

The UK government has announced a £740 million of capital funding to create more Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places within mainstream schools. This funding will allow schools to physically adapt their environments to better support children and young people with SEND, creating more inclusive and accessible learning spaces.

While this investment is a welcome step, experts emphasise that physical changes alone are insufficient. Effective SEND provision requires not only a supportive environment but also highly trained staff.

"Every teacher wants to create a supportive learning environment and having a teaching assistant with a good understanding of special educational needs enables all learners to have the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential” says Kim Underhill, Head of Qualifications and Assessment Development at AIM. 

This is where qualifications like the new AIM Qualifications Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistants focusing on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Diploma) become vital. 

This diploma, developed in collaboration with employers, offers a non-apprenticeship pathway for aspiring and existing Teaching Assistants (TAs). It goes beyond the TA apprenticeship standard, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills specifically tailored to supporting children and young people with SEND.

The Diploma equips learners with:

• Essential knowledge: Understanding of child development, special educational needs, relevant legislation, and best practices in SEND support.
• Practical skills: Developing strategies and interventions to support children with diverse learning needs.
• Career progression: Building a strong foundation for a fulfilling career as a TA, enabling them to progress within the sector.

By investing in the professional development of their staff, schools can ensure they have the skilled workforce necessary to effectively utilise the government's funding and provide high-quality SEND support for all children and young people.

Offer this qualification for 2025 delivery

The above qualification has been approved by IFATE and Ofqual for delivery from September 2025, for which we are taking expressions of interest from AIM centres.

Download the Qualification Specification here.

Find out how to become an AIM centre or if you’re an existing AIM centre, contact our Business Development Team to add this qualification to your 2025/26 curriculum.

Discover more about AIM’s SEND qualifications here.
 

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