Pupils in England could receive two extra days off each year as headteachers advocate for additional Inset days to manage the Labour government's SEND reforms. The NAHT union proposes increasing the annual Inset days from five to seven, allowing schools more time to embed the changes.
Union Motion Calls for More Training Days
The motion, to be debated at the NAHT conference, urges the union to campaign for two more statutory Inset days per academic year. This would support schools in implementing and embedding the government's ambitions for SEND and curriculum reform.
Concerns Over Government's Academic Focus
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has expressed concerns that the government's emphasis on academic attainment conflicts with its inclusion measures for SEND children. ASCL stated that this inconsistency could determine the success or failure of the reforms.
Government Response
A Department for Education spokesperson highlighted the £4 billion investment in SEND reforms and a £200 million teacher training program. They noted that existing Inset days can be used to deliver high-quality training to embed inclusion with confidence.
