The inclusive mainstream fund (IMF) provides additional funding to support schools to become more inclusive. Schools must use their IMF allocation alongside their core funding allocations, including their notional special educational needs (SEN) budget, to strengthen their inclusive offer and remove commonly occurring barriers to learning and participation for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This should include taking meaningful steps to:
Further information on the purpose of the IMF can be found in the Department for Education guidance for Developing an inclusion strategy using the inclusive mainstream fund. The funding distribution methodology should be read in conjunction with the conditions of grant.