Everything You Need To Know About The Inclusive Mainstream Fund For Schools
Heard about the Inclusive Mainstream Fund but not sure what it means for your school? This page breaks down the government’s guidance into simple, practical advice, explaining who is eligible, how the funding works, what schools need to do, and how inclusive playground improvements may support your Inclusion Strategy.
What Is The Inclusive Mainstream Fund?
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund provides £400 million of additional funding each year to eligible mainstream schools in England to strengthen inclusive education.
It is designed to help schools remove barriers to learning and participation by creating more inclusive environments and providing support earlier, without pupils necessarily needing a diagnosis or statutory assessment.
This includes creating safe, calm and accessible spaces, which may extend to playgrounds and other outdoor areas where children learn, play and socialise.
Eligible schools:
England only
Mainstream primary schools
Mainstream secondary schools
Mainstream middle Schools
Mainstream all-through schools
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Why Has The Government Introduced It?
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund is part of a wider move to make school funding for inclusion simpler. It brings together existing funding schools already receive to support pupils with SEN, alongside new funding designed to strengthen inclusive provision. Schools can use this funding according to their own priorities, based on the needs of their pupils and their Inclusion Strategy.
Can You Use It For Playground Improvements?
The government gives schools flexibility to invest in projects that remove barriers to participation and create more inclusive environments.
For many schools, this may include improving outdoor play spaces, particularly where they increase accessibility, support sensory needs or create more opportunities for inclusive play. Any planned improvements should be linked to your school’s Inclusion Strategy.
What Do You Need To Do?
Before 31 December 2026 schools are required to publish an inclusion strategy, a plan explaining how they identify and support pupils with additional needs, and how they promote inclusive practice across the school.
Clear guidance and expectations on what should be included in the strategy has been set out by the DfE. If your project includes playground improvements, your strategy should explain how they will:
Change the outdoor environment to support identified needs, such as improving accessibility
Provide more inclusive opportunities for play
Create spaces that better support sensory and emotional regulation
The inclusive mainstream fund should not be considered the only source of funding to deliver this activity.
Inclusive Mainstream Fund For Schools: Planning Your Playground Project
How Much Will You Get?
For 2026/27, eligible schools will receive a fixed lump sum of £3,000, plus additional funding based on:
The funding is automatically “allocated through a separate grant to local authorities (for maintained schools) and directly to academy trusts”. No application process is necessary.
How Can You Spend The Funding?
When it comes to outdoor play areas, there are several ways funding can be used:
Improving outdoor spaces so more children can play, learn and participate
Improving accessibility and providing spaces that support sensory and emotional needs
What Playground Improvements Could Be Included?
Depending on your school’s needs and Inclusion Strategy, projects could include a combination of the following:
Play panels and interactive features that encourage communication, imaginative play and learning through exploration.
Every school’s priorities are different. We can help you identify which improvements best support your Inclusion Strategy and develop a proposal tailored to your pupils and available funding.
How Creative Play Can Help
If you’re considering playground improvements, we’ll provide everything you need to assess the project and include it within your planning:
With the 31 December 2026 Inclusion Strategy deadline approaching, schools are encouraged to begin planning early. Our team can help assess your outdoor space, discuss how it could support your inclusion objectives and provide everything needed to develop your proposal. We recommend reserving your free site consultation soon to secure a convenient appointment before our schedule becomes busy.
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