Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's written statement entitled Investment in high needs place of 15 December 2025, what evidential basis her department is using to promote internal alternative provision for pupils with specialist needs in mainstream schools.

The department has announced at least £3 billion for high needs capital between 2026/27 and 2029/30, which is intended to create facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more flexible support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs, alongside expanding or creating special and alternative provision schools.

Pupil support units are used as a planned intervention to support pupils with additional needs, including behaviour difficulties, and to improve their engagement with mainstream education.

The department has reviewed the existing evidence base, including findings from the department's school and college voice omnibus surveys, and third-party reports.

The department’s ‘Explorative research into In-School Support Units’ found that improvements in outcomes were perceived to span behaviour, attendance and attainment, as well as softer outcomes including improvements in feelings of belonging.

We are working with the sector to develop guidance applicable to pupil support units.