Inclusion Strategy
The Inclusion Mainstream Fund (IMF) and Strategy
The IMF is a government grant designed for mainstream state-funded schools in England, including maintained schools, academies and mainstream provision within trusts. Funding is allocated directly using a national formula and distributed either directly or via local authorities.
The aim is to help schools strengthen inclusive practice through approaches that support children and young people earlier and more effectively.
This includes helping schools to:
- strengthen inclusive practice across the school
- improve early identification and intervention
- reduce barriers to learning and participation
- support pupils whose needs may require additional provision
- create environments where pupils feel they belong and can succeed
Importantly, the focus is on sustainable, whole-school approaches rather than isolated interventions.
Schools and academies are required to develop and publish an Inclusion Strategy Statement by December 2026. This strategy should outline:
- the needs and barriers affecting pupils in the school
- how funding is being used
- how activity aligns with the IMF's 7 Principles of Inclusion
- approaches being implemented
- how impact will be monitored and measured
The Pinnacle Learning Trust Inclusion
