Mainstream early years, schools and post 16 settings

Most children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) go to a mainstream setting and do well. Mainstream settings are for pupils with and without SEND. They teach pupils with a wide range of abilities. They include local authority maintained schools and academies.

The law says mainstream settings must do everything they can to meet a child or young person’s SEND. All settings in Cumberland provide support for children with SEND. They must publish a SEND report on their website to set out how they provide for children with SEND. Every education setting must support children to fulfil their potential. They must make sure that children are included in every opportunity. Schools must put arrangements in place to support your child's individual needs. You can find out what special educational needs (SEN) support you can expect by viewing our Ordinarily Available guidance.

Benefits of a mainstream education

The inclusion of students with SEND in mainstream schools is good for all students. It allows them to experience a varied and inclusive environment. This mirrors the broader society. Here's how:

Real-world preparation:
Inclusive classrooms are a mix of many different people. They have people who are:

good at different things
who may need extra help
who come from different places

This helps students get ready for when they grow up and need to work and be friends with all kinds of people.

Promotion of empathy and understanding

including others encourages empathy
it helps all students understand
they learn to appreciate and adjust for the needs of their peers with SEND
by interacting with classmates who have SEND, students get a good understanding of diversity and learn to value everyone

Building meaningful relationships

inclusive schools allow all students to make friends across a mix of backgrounds and abilities
students learn to value each other's strengths
they support one another, creating community and belonging in the school

inclusive schools are good for gaining social skills
these skills include communication, cooperation, and teamwork
students learn to work with peers of different abilities.
they build key social skills
these skills are valuable in all parts of life

Reduction of stereotypes and bias

inclusion challenges stereotypes and biases
it does this by supporting positive communication and relationships
these interactions are among students from diverse backgrounds
by working together and learning from each other, students develop a more inclusive mindset

Promotion of equity and justice

inclusive education is about fairness
it ensures that all students have equal access to education and resources
an inclusive school culture promotes fairness
it promotes respect for all, no matter what their abilities or background
some children with SEND need a specialist setting to meet their learning needs - but, many pupils with SEND can go to a mainstream school and do well

You can search for schools and colleges in Cumberland by using the Council's school directory at: Find a school near you.

The Government Get Information about Schools is a register of schools and colleges in England. You can search for and download information on establishments, establishment groups (such as a local authority, trust or federation) or governors. Schools, local authorities and academy trusts can also update details by signing in to their DfE sign-in account.