EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 15
SEND reform
Matilda Miles of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
explains why offsite learning is uniquely placed to deliver upcoming
SEND and curriculum reforms
Time for a change
The recent reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the National
Curriculum in England signal a significant shift towards an education system that’s more
inclusive and responsive – which is a huge opportunity to make sure that every young person
experiences high-quality learning beyond the classroom.
Images: Land and Wave School Trips & PGL Beyond
WHAT’S THE GOAL?
At the heart of the current SEND
reforms is a clear ambition: to
move towards a single, inclusive
system where more children
‘belong, achieve and thrive’ within
mainstream education. Schools will
be expected to adapt their teaching
and staff training, and create tailored
support such as Individual Support
Plans. At the same time, investment
is being directed towards improving
mainstream provision and expanding
specialist expertise.
The new curriculum will emphasise
breadth, relevance and flexibility,
and will recognise the value of
‘learning by doing’. Together, these
reforms are directing us towards
a flexible, inclusive approach that
works for a wider range of needs.
WHY LEARNING OUTSIDE
THE CLASSROOM IS THE KEY
This new focus strengthens the case
for making learning outside the
classroom (LOtC) an integral part
of a broad and inclusive education,
as it offers such a wide variety of
approaches to learning that meet
many different needs.
The evidence is clear: pupils with
SEND are among the least likely to
access outdoor or offsite learning,
yet they are often the ones who
experience the greatest uplift in
outcomes. Well-designed LOtC
can remove barriers to learning by
offering hands-on, multi-sensory,
social experiences that are often
more accessible for learners
with SEND.
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2026
INCLUSION FROM THE START
There are more than 1.7 million
pupils in England now identified as
having SEND, and the move towards
more inclusive mainstream schools
means that more SEND learners will
be taking part in every school visit
and outdoor activity. As a result,
schools and providers will need
to work together to design fully
inclusive activities, so that LOtC
works for everyone from day one.
Ultimately, the direction of reform
is clear: to create a more inclusive,
holistic education system. Learning
outside the classroom is uniquely
placed to support this vision, offering
a wide range of rich experiences
where every learner can engage
and succeed.
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