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Inclusion bases in schools: summary

Get to grips with what a school-based inclusion base is, who it's for and how to set one up successfully, based on the DfE's non-statutory inclusion base guidance. Download our specification template and audit tool to help you set up and review your provision.

New
on 20 July 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 53897
Contents
  1. You’re not required to have an inclusion base
  2. What is an inclusion base?
  3. An inclusion base should meet the needs of the specific cohort
  4. How to set up your inclusion base
  5. Follow the 6 principles of effective practice
  6. Review your inclusion base

This article is based on the DfE’s non-statutory inclusion base guidance. 

You’re not required to have an inclusion base

However, the government plans to make these bases a standard feature of schools in the future. The 2026 schools white paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving proposes that eventually:

  • Every secondary school will have an inclusion base
  • Primary schools will have an equivalent number of places

Read a summary of the school's white paper proposals for more information. 

We'll update this article if the requirements change – select 'save for later' at the top of this article to be notified when this happens.

What is an inclusion base?

It's a dedicated space within a mainstream school that supports children and young people with additional needs. For example, pupils who:

Inclusion bases