Supporting Every Learner: A New Opportunity for Schools 

The Department for Education has announced a significant new investment in inclusive education through the Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF), with funding worth over £500 million per year from 2026 to 2027, including £400 million annually allocated directly to schools. 

This funding forms part of the government's wider vision to create an education system that is "inclusive by design" – enabling schools to provide earlier support for pupils with additional needs without requiring formal diagnoses or lengthy statutory processes. 

For school leaders, SENCOs, and inclusion teams, this presents an important opportunity to review current provision and invest in practical solutions that help remove barriers to learning. 

What Does the Funding Mean for Schools? 

The new funding is intended to help mainstream schools: 

• Deliver early intervention and targeted support 

• Improve accessibility and inclusion across the curriculum 

• Strengthen support for pupils with SEND 

• Reduce barriers to learning and participation 

• Create more inclusive learning environments 

• Support learner independence and wellbeing 

Schools will be expected to demonstrate how they are using funding to improve inclusion, making strategic investment decisions more important than ever. 

Why We Started edtech.direct 

At edtech.direct, we recognised that schools are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of education technology available. 

Finding solutions that genuinely improve outcomes can be time-consuming, and busy school leaders need confidence that any investment will deliver real impact. 

That's why we created edtech.direct. 

Our mission is simple: to connect schools with proven educational technology and assistive technology solutions that make teaching easier, learning more accessible, and inclusion more achievable. 

We work closely with schools to understand their challenges and recommend practical tools that can be implemented quickly and effectively. 

Supporting Inclusion Through Assistive Technology 

As schools prepare for the new Inclusive Mainstream Funding, assistive technology can play a key role in helping learners access the curriculum and participate more fully in school life. 

We offer a carefully selected range of solutions designed to support learners with: 

• Dyslexia 

• Hearing impairments 

• English as an Additional Language (EAL) 

• Literacy difficulties 

• Communication challenges 

• Additional learning needs 

Pocketalk 

Pocketalk provides instant two-way translation, helping schools communicate effectively with EAL learners and families. 

Benefits include: 

• Improved parental engagement 

• Enhanced classroom participation 

• Greater confidence for learners new to English 

• Support for multilingual school communities 

Vurbo.ai 

Vurbo.ai uses artificial intelligence to support communication and language development through real-time speech recognition and transcription. 

Benefits include: 

• Improved accessibility 

• Support for language processing needs 

• Enhanced classroom participation 

• Better capture of discussions and learning activities 

Lili for Life Lamp 

Designed specifically to support pupils who experience visual stress and reading difficulties, including dyslexia. 

Benefits include: 

• Improved reading comfort 

• Reduced visual fatigue 

• Better concentration 

• Increased confidence when reading independently 

LogicKeyboard Dyslexie Keyboards 

These colour-coded keyboards help improve accessibility and typing confidence for dyslexic learners. 

Benefits include: 

• Easier letter recognition 

• Reduced typing anxiety 

• Improved keyboard navigation 

• Increased learner independence 

IRIS Reading Pens 

Portable reading pens that scan and read text aloud instantly. 

Benefits include: 

• Support for dyslexia and reading difficulties 

• Exam access arrangement support 

• Independent learning 

• Improved reading confidence 

Nuance Hearing Solutions 

Classroom audio solutions that improve access for pupils with hearing impairments. 

Benefits include: 

• Clearer classroom audio 

• Reduced listening fatigue 

• Better concentration 

• Improved inclusion and participation 

Supporting EHCPs, Accessibility and Intervention Strategies 

Many of these technologies are already helping schools support: 

• EHCP provision 

• Literacy intervention programmes 

• Exam access arrangements 

• Accessibility plans 

• SEND support strategies 

• Inclusive classroom practice 

As schools consider how to maximise the impact of the new Inclusive Mainstream Fund, assistive technology can provide measurable, sustainable support for learners while helping schools meet their wider inclusion objectives. 

How edtech.direct Can Help 

Choosing the right technology can be challenging, particularly when funding decisions need to demonstrate value and impact. 

Our team works with schools to: 

• Identify suitable solutions for specific learner needs 

• Provide expert advice and guidance 

• Deliver online demonstrations 

• Arrange product trials and evaluations 

• Support implementation and staff confidence 

Whether you're reviewing your SEND strategy, planning future spending, or looking for practical ways to improve accessibility, we're here to help. 

Book a Demonstration 

If you would like to explore how assistive technology can support your school's inclusion strategy, we'd be delighted to arrange: 

• A short online demonstration 

• Product samples or trial opportunities 

• Advice on selecting the right solutions for your learners and staff 

The new Inclusive Mainstream Funding represents a significant opportunity to strengthen support for pupils across your school. 

At edtech.direct, we're committed to helping schools make informed decisions and create learning environments where every learner can thrive. 

To find out more, request pricing, or arrange a demonstration, contact our team today and discover how the right technology can help turn inclusion into action. 

Book a Demo