Guidance for the Inclusive Mainstream Fund & Inclusive Early Years Fund
Planning Inclusive Funding for Schools and Early Years Settings
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) and Inclusive Early Years Fund (IEYF) are designed to help strengthen inclusive practice, early intervention and support for children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs.
As schools, colleges, trusts and early years settings begin planning how to use this funding, many are looking for practical, evidence-informed approaches that support inclusion across the whole setting - while also helping reduce pressure on staff and improve outcomes for children and young people.
To support planning, we’ve created a practical inclusive funding checklist.
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Capacity, not commitment, is holding inclusion back
Our Inclusion Readiness Report found that school leaders identified time, staffing and resources as major barriers to effective inclusive practice.
What is the Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF)?
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) is part of the government’s wider focus on strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools. The funding is designed to help schools improve support for children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs through earlier intervention, inclusive practice and whole-school approaches that remove barriers to participation and learning.
The Department for Education (DfE) highlights several key themes that settings may wish to focus on when planning Inclusive Mainstream Fund activity, including:
- Early intervention and targeted support
- High-quality inclusive teaching
- Staff capability and confidence
- Accessible environments and provision
- Family partnership and joined-up working
- Strong inclusive leadership
- Evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes
How Thrive supports schools using IMF funding
Thrive supports mainstream schools and trusts to strengthen inclusive practice through staff development, relational approaches, targeted SEMH support and whole-school strategies that help improve belonging, participation and outcomes for pupils.
