Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff

We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

We think this will help tackle inaccessible education, improve inclusion for neurodivergent pupils, and reduce mental health risks through better understanding, early support, and inclusive practices.

Many neurodivergent pupils face barriers in school due to a lack of understanding and support. Only 14% of secondary school teachers have received more than half a day’s training on autism, and autistic pupils are twice as likely to be excluded. We believe this contributes to poor mental health and emotional distress.

Mandatory training could help staff create inclusive classrooms, recognise distress early, make reasonable adjustments, and ensure neurodivergent children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.

The Department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including neurodiversity. We are focusing on improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and are working with families and education and care experts to deliver this in the best interests of all children.

SEND training is mandatory for all new teachers. All Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Teacher training must cover adaptive teaching and SEND, and this includes training which would support the effective teaching of neurodiverse pupils.

The combined Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), sets out a minimum entitlement to training and must be used by providers of Initial Teaching Training and those delivering provider-led early career training. Our review of content for the ITTECF paid particular attention to the needs of trainees and Early Careers Teachers when supporting pupils with SEND, and we tested this approach with SEND educational experts. We do, however, recognise that continuous improvement is essential and have recently committed to a full review of the Early Career Teacher Entitlement in 2027 to ensure it continues to provide the best possible basis for Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Teacher support. This review will focus on the support we provide new teachers in teaching pupils with SEND.

In addition to mandatory Initial Teacher and Early Career Training, the leadership National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) give new, existing, and aspiring leaders the tools and skills to transform their settings and offer the best possible outcomes for the staff who they work alongside as well as the children in their diverse communities. The NPQ for SENCOs, which began delivery in Autumn 2024, is consistent with this. Providing participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to set the strategic direction of SEN policy in a school and the conditions in which pupils with SEND can thrive.