DfE Publishes New Inclusive Education Estates Guidance for Schools

Date 26.06.2026 Author: Stuart Jones

On 25 June 2026, the Department for Education published Inclusive Education Estates, a new guidance document providing practical advice to help schools, trusts and local authorities create more inclusive learning environments.

The guidance supports those responsible for planning, maintaining and improving school estates, with a focus on making existing buildings more accessible, adaptable and supportive for every pupil.

The publication forms part of the wider Education Estates Strategy and reflects the government's continued commitment to creating school environments that are safe, suitable, sustainable and inclusive by design.

A Shift Towards Inclusive School Design

Over recent years, schools have seen increasing demand for spaces that support pupils with a wide range of needs, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Rather than focusing solely on new buildings, the new guidance encourages schools to consider how existing spaces can be adapted to improve accessibility, wellbeing and inclusion. This is welcome news for schools that may not have the budget or space for major building projects.

The emphasis is on identifying high-impact adaptations that can make a meaningful difference to pupils and staff.

Inclusion Bases Continue to Grow in Importance

Earlier this year, the Department for Education announced its ambition for every secondary school to have access to an inclusion base or similar provision, creating dedicated spaces where pupils can receive targeted support while remaining part of their mainstream school community.

The new guidance provides further practical direction on how education estates can better support inclusive practice through thoughtful design and refurbishment.

Creating Flexible Spaces

Every school is different.

Some have spare classrooms that can be repurposed, while others have limited space and need more creative solutions.

The guidance recognises that inclusion is not about applying a single design to every school. Instead, it encourages schools to develop environments that reflect the needs of their own pupils and community.

That could include spaces for:

  • Individual intervention

  • Small group learning

  • Emotional regulation

  • Quiet reflection

  • Sensory support

  • Staff wellbeing

  • Flexible teaching and support activities

Making the Most of Existing Buildings

One of the strongest themes running through the guidance is making better use of existing school buildings.

For many schools, adapting current spaces can be quicker, less disruptive and more cost-effective than undertaking major building work.

Movable furniture, modular layouts and adaptable environments can all help schools respond as pupil needs change over time, allowing valuable space to evolve rather than remain fixed.

Looking Ahead

The publication of the Inclusive Education Estates guidance represents another significant step in the government's wider ambition to make mainstream education more inclusive.

Alongside the Inclusive Mainstream Fund and the expectation that schools develop published Inclusion Strategies, it signals a continued focus on creating environments that help every child thrive.

For school leaders, estates teams and local authorities, the message is clear: the physical environment is becoming an increasingly important part of delivering inclusive education.

Education Estates 2026

We're looking forward to attending Education Estates 2026 in Manchester this October and hope to be exhibiting several new innovative acoustic pods and AgileSAFESPACE concepts designed specifically to support inclusive education.

If you're planning to attend the exhibition, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch—we'd be delighted to arrange a time to meet, discuss your projects and share some of the exciting developments we're currently working on.

How AgileAcoustics Can Help

At AgileAcoustics, we've been working with schools, academy trusts and local authorities to create flexible, calming spaces that support pupils and staff without the need for permanent building alterations.

Whether you're developing an inclusion base, introducing sensory spaces or creating quiet areas for intervention and wellbeing, we're always happy to discuss ideas and share examples of projects we've delivered across the UK.

If you'd like to explore practical ways of improving inclusion within your existing school estate, we'd be delighted to help.

And before leaving, check out this blog post about a sensory pod install for St John Vianney Catholic Primary School.