Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF): A Practical Guide for School Leaders and How Prospero Learning Can Support You

Making sense of the Inclusive Mainstream Fund

The Department for Education’s Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) has been introduced to help mainstream schools strengthen inclusive practice and enhance support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 

As part of the government’s broader reforms around SEND and inclusion, the fund is designed to support schools in identifying need earlier, removing barriers to learning, and building more inclusive environments for all pupils. 

For school leaders, the IMF presents a valuable opportunity to embed consistent, whole-school approaches to inclusion. This includes strengthening adaptive teaching, improving early intervention strategies, and enhancing attendance, well-being, and a sense of belonging across the school community. 

IMF at a glance

• Funding available to mainstream schools in England

• Focused on improving SEND provision and inclusive practice

• Part of a wider national SEND and inclusion reform programme

• Schools do not need to apply for funding

• Allocation is determined using a national formula

• Schools must publish an inclusion strategy by December 2026

• £400 million allocated for 2026–27 within a total £1.5 billion investment

What is the IMF, and who receives it?

The Inclusive Mainstream Fund is a government grant provided to state-funded mainstream schools across England, including maintained schools, academies, and mainstream settings within multi-academy trusts.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the fund forms part of a longer-term financial commitment to strengthening inclusion across the education system.

Unlike many funding streams, the IMF is not awarded through a bidding process. Instead, it is distributed directly to schools using a national funding formula, with maintained schools receiving funding via their local authority.

The fund is intended to help schools:

• Enhance inclusive practices across the school

• Develop stronger early intervention approaches

• Remove barriers to participation and learning

• Support pupils whose needs extend beyond universal provision

• Build inclusive cultures and environments

A key principle of the IMF is its focus on whole-school development, rather than funding tied to individual pupils or isolated interventions.

The seven IMF inclusion priorities

The Department for Education encourages schools to align IMF spending with seven core areas of inclusion:

• Leadership that places inclusion at the centre of school improvement

• Early intervention grounded in evidence-based practice

• High-quality teaching with a curriculum accessible to all learners

• Inclusive experiences that extend beyond the classroom

• A positive culture that supports safety, belonging, and attendance

• Strong collaboration with families and external services

• Continuous improvements to accessibility within the school environment

These priorities are designed to help schools take a proactive and strategic approach, improving outcomes, participation, and overall pupil experience—particularly for those with SEND or additional needs.

How can schools use IMF funding?

The IMF guidance encourages schools to invest in a range of areas that support sustainable, long-term inclusion. These include:

• Staff training and professional development

• Early identification and targeted support

• Data analysis and understanding pupil needs

• Inclusive classroom strategies

• Initiatives that improve attendance and belonging

• Engagement with families and carers

• Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment

• Improvements to the physical environment and accessibility

In practice, this might include:

• Funding training programmes and staff cover 

• Delivering small group or one-to-one interventions 

• Developing the role and expertise of teaching assistants 

• Implementing behaviour and inclusion frameworks 

• Supporting parents through workshops and transition programmes 

• Introducing systems to track progress and measure impact 

As schools begin to plan their approach, many are focusing on strengthening early intervention, upskilling staff, and embedding strategies that improve engagement, well-being, and attendance across the school.

Where Prospero Learning can help

Prospero Learning offers flexible online CPD designed to strengthen inclusive practice across schools. Our CPD UK-accredited courses cover key areas such as SEND, adaptive teaching, and pupil wellbeing, helping staff meet the needs of all learners.

Developed by education experts and policy specialists, our courses provide practical, up-to-date guidance, supporting schools to build confident, skilled teams and deliver lasting improvements in inclusion.

It is recommended that schools allocate funding across the DfE’s seven principles of inclusion to help deliver and report upon evidence-informed inclusive practice to children and young people. Prospero Learning’s offer can support each of these areas:

Ambitious leadership and governance

Supports leaders with expert-led courses on whole-school inclusion, data-informed decision-making, and strategic planning for SEND.

Evidence-based early intervention

Courses focus on early identification, targeted support, and practical interventions grounded in current research and policy.

High-quality teaching for all learners

CPD on adaptive teaching, scaffolding, and inclusive classroom strategies helps staff meet a wide range of learning needs.

Accessible and enriching provision

Training supports inclusive approaches beyond the classroom, promoting independence, life skills, and personal development.

A culture of belonging and attendance

Courses address behaviour, wellbeing, and engagement, helping staff foster safe, respectful environments where pupils feel they belong.

Strong partnerships with families and services

CPD highlights effective communication, collaboration with parents, and multi-agency working to support pupils holistically.

Inclusive environments and accessibility

Guidance on creating supportive, low-stimulation, and accessible learning spaces that meet sensory and regulatory needs.

We offer flexible charging models, including one-off purchases and subscription models to suit every school budget. We also guarantee to offer a price 25% less than any current subscription model provider your school may be using.

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