Investing time in continuous professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining high standards across all provisions and supporting the development of every child. Beyond this, it also encourages innovation in practice, strengthens practitioners’ confidence and motivation contributing to improved staff retention.

A recent Teacher Tapp survey highlights that supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is now one of the most significant challenges teachers face. Currently, 55% of teachers identify this as a key pressure, an increase from 47% in 2022.

At the same time, the ongoing recruitment crisis in education, alongside growing demand for lesson cover is placing increasing pressure on teachers within the sector. As workloads intensify, opportunities to engage in CPD to develop their knowledge within inclusive practice is often deprioritised, slipping further down an already extensive list of responsibilities.

However, limited time is not the only barrier. Research suggests that the wide range of CPD opportunities available can feel overwhelming, leaving many practitioners unsure of where to begin.

The Inclusion 2028 grant has been developed to help address these challenges. Funded by the Department for Education, the grant aims to improve chances and choices for pupils with SEND by equipping educators with the knowledge and confidence to deliver inclusive physical education, school sport and physical activity.

All resources developed through Inclusion 2028 have been co-designed with practitioners and are hosted on the Inclusive Education Hub. These resources provide a range of flexible learning opportunities, including bite-sized e-learning modules, practical top tips articles, and in-person local workshops and festivals, enabling teachers to engage with CPD in ways that best suit their needs.

To support those at the early stages of their journey, a one-page resource has been created as a simple navigation tool to help identify the most relevant CPD options. Schools can also contact their local Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School for tailored advice, guidance, and support at a county level.

Jon, a teacher based at Clare Mount Specialist College, Merseyside shared:

“If you’re looking to improve inclusive practice in PE, look no further than the suite of resources you can find here. Road tested by young people in schools. These are brilliant!”

Mark, a teacher based at St Mary’s College, Hull shared:

“A wealth of resources, knowledge and practical experiences which allow teachers to continually develop their inclusive professional practice.”

For more information about Inclusion 2028, please contact the Youth Sport Trust Inclusion Team at [email protected].