Government Launches Inclusion 2028 Programme to Enhance Inclusive PE
In a move to promote inclusive PE across England, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced the Inclusion 2028 programme. The programme is a collaborative effort involving the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, and Swim England, aiming to improve access to PE and school sports for over 240,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. It aims to build upon the Inclusion 2024 programme. The DfE has pledged an initial £300,000 for the first year of the programme.
Addressing the Need for Inclusive PE
Recent statistics highlight the growing and urgent need for inclusive PE in primary schools across the UK. As of 2024, 3.0% of primary-aged pupils in England have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, and a further 14.1% are identified as requiring SEN support. This means that nearly one in five pupils has some form of recognised additional need—yet the current provision in many schools still falls short of ensuring equal access to physical education.
The disparity becomes particularly stark when looking at participation rates: only 25% of disabled children regularly take part in PE, compared to 41% of their non-disabled peers. This gap reflects systemic issues such as a lack of specialist training for teachers, limited access to adapted equipment and facilities, and insufficient representation of inclusive activities in PE curricula. These challenges not only hinder physical development but also impact the confidence, social integration, and overall well-being of SEND pupils. As the Inclusion 2028 programme rolls out, addressing these disparities is a central goal—ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, can fully participate and benefit from high-quality, inclusive physical education experiences.
Key Features of Inclusion 2028
As part of the Inclusion 2028 programme, the government aims to strengthen the delivery of inclusive PE across the country by training 10,000 educators in over 8,000 schools. The Youth Sport Trust will run the programme through 50 hub schools, which will be responsible for delivering the training. These educators will be equipped to design and lead PE lessons that cater to a wide range of needs, including physical, sensory, cognitive, communication, and social-emotional challenges. In addition to improving classroom provision, the programme will support the creation of 600 new extracurricular clubs, offering more opportunities for SEND pupils to participate in physical activity outside of standard curriculum time. Furthermore, Inclusion 2028 will empower 1,500 pupils by developing their leadership skills through peer-led activities and school events inspired by major sporting movements such as the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.
Government Commitment to Inclusive Education
The launch of Inclusion 2028 is part of the government's broader commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity, as outlined in its Plan for Change. Inclusive PE is a critical area where pupils often face significant obstacles, ranging from a lack of properly trained staff to limited access to suitable activities and equipment. By placing a spotlight on inclusive practice, the Inclusion 2028 programme aims not only to increase participation but to create a culture where all pupils feel valued, capable, and included. The programme also promotes the idea that PE is not solely about athletic performance, but about developing confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience; skills every child should have the chance to build. In doing so, Inclusion 2028 aims to create an environment where every learner, regardless of ability, can thrive.
The Inclusion 2028 programme represents a step toward creating a more inclusive PE landscape in primary schools across England. By providing targeted support and resources, the initiative aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of SEND pupils, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement through active participation in school sports.