A major step forward in inclusive education is underway. Through the ambitious Inclusion 2028 programme, more than 240,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England are set to gain improved access to physical education (PE) and school sport, giving every child the chance to thrive through movement, play, and leadership.
Launched as part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, Inclusion 2028 is designed to tackle systemic barriers to participation in school sport.
Confirmed for the next academic year, the first year of the programme is supported by £300,000 in funding, with long-term aims to support over 8,000 schools, 10,000 educators, and create 600 new inclusive sports clubs.
Empowering teachers and engaging pupils
Central to Inclusion 2028 is the upskilling of teachers and practitioners through a network of 50 lead inclusion schools. These schools will act as training hubs to help educators deliver more inclusive PE in schools that adapt to pupils’ diverse needs, whether physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, or social.
Beyond training, the SEND PE programme promotes pupil engagement through leadership roles, with 1,500 students set to help design and run school activities. Events inspired by the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games will celebrate inclusion and excellence, while new after-school clubs will offer children of all abilities the chance to enjoy sports like boccia, archery, and tennis.
Eden Hays, a 13-year-old pupil at Brooklands Middle School, said:
“Sport is important for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing, but especially for children with disabilities, where life is that bit harder.
“Being active has helped keep me both physically and mentally strong and ensured opportunities both in and out of school. Opportunities not just in competing, but both leading and educating too. Sport can be adapted for everyone and should be enjoyed by all.”
A national collaboration for inclusive impact
Inclusion 2028 is led by the Youth Sport Trust and powered by a dynamic consortium of partners, including ParalympicsGB, Swim England, nasen, and Activity Alliance, supported by organisations like the Association for PE and Sport for Confidence. This collaboration merges decades of expertise in accessible education, sport development, and inclusive design.
Their shared mission is to embed inclusive practice into school life, not only in PE lessons but across school communities. The programme builds on the success of Inclusion 2024, which pioneered innovative resources such as animated safety assemblies and digital swimming assessments.
Laura Sugar PLY, Paralympian and PE teacher, shared:
“As a Paralympian and a PE teacher, I see firsthand the importance of inclusive sport for all and access to PE in schools for disabled children, so I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of this campaign, which is so close to my heart. Growing up as a child with a disability, I have experienced how physical activity can help improve day-to-day life and enhance mobility, as well as social and mental benefits, so it is important that we make PE accessible for all.
She added: “It’s fantastic that the new direction of the Inclusion 28 programme will support the calls made by ParalympicsGB’s Equal Play campaign to ensure that no disabled child is excluded from school sport, and I know that together the Consortium can help drive important, positive change.”
David Clarke OBE, CEO of ParalympicsGB, called it a vital move:
“With only one in four disabled children regularly taking part in sport at school, ParalympicsGB’s Equal Play campaign highlights the massive need for equal access to PE and school sport.
“This commitment to increase funding that will specifically support disabled children is crucial, and I am particularly pleased that ParalympicsGB can continue to work with the YST as part of the Inclusion 28 consortium to improve the lives of disabled children in this country.”
From co-developing teaching tools to running digital workshops and in-school training, each partner plays a vital role:
“Disabled children should never be left on the sidelines to watch as their friends take part,” said Helen Derby of Activity Alliance.
“Inclusion 2028 is a fantastic programme that will empower teachers and school staff to provide inclusive physical education. They have the opportunity to give every child a positive PE experience, helping them to go on and enjoy being active for life.”
Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, said:
“Not only will this be of benefit for children and young people with SEND, but the inclusive practice and approaches being developed will support all children and young people, including beyond the area of school sport and PE.”
Lorna Goldie, from Swim England, celebrated the ongoing innovation:
“Inclusion 2024 allowed us to co-create impactful resources and interventions with pupils, staff and families from 15 lead inclusion. These resources include Oscar, who hosts our interactive animated water safety assembly, and the digital school swimming assessment tool that allows school and school swimming providers to assess their delivery, receiving real-time feedback and suggested improvements.
“We’re excited to carry on this journey of innovation with the Youth Sport Trust and other consortium partners through to 2028”
With such strong backing and a multi-year commitment, the SEND PE programme aims to create lasting change that empowers teachers, celebrates pupil voice, and transforms lives.
The future of inclusion in education
Inclusion 2028 goes far beyond curriculum reform—it’s a cultural shift. It acknowledges that inclusive PE isn’t just beneficial to pupils with SEND – it uplifts entire school communities. It promotes confidence, enhances mental health, and gives every child the opportunity to shine.
Whether it’s a child leading a team, swimming for the first time, or joining their first after-school club, Inclusion 2028 is proving that inclusive sport is a right, not a privilege. And it’s only just getting started.
Have you or your child benefited from inclusive PE in schools? Tell us your experiences in the comments box, on social media or contact us to share your personal story.