# Department for Education Awards SEND Training Contract

The Department for Education (DfE) in England has awarded a **£200 million** contract to Dingley's Promise to deliver the first phase of a national training program focused on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for early years educators. This free training initiative, launching in late October 2026 and spanning three years, aims to enhance inclusive practices and equip early years practitioners with practical skills to support children with SEND effectively. The program involves collaboration with key contributors such as Ambition Institute, Speech and Language UK, Contact, and Coram PACEY to develop and deliver training materials.

- **Why this matters:** This large-scale contract represents a significant government investment in early years education and inclusive support, creating opportunities for contractors specializing in educational training and SEND services.
- Procurement professionals should note the multi-year scope and collaborative delivery model, which may influence future contract structures and partnership opportunities.
- Organizations providing training content, accessibility solutions, or educational support services in the UK should evaluate how to engage with or complement this national initiative.
- The program's emphasis on practical, inclusive strategies highlights a growing government focus on early intervention, which may drive demand for specialized expertise in SEND education and training.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department for Education (DfE)

### Vendors
- Dingley's Promise (awardee)
- Ambition Institute (training materials developer)
- Speech and Language UK (training contributor)
- Contact (training contributor)
- Coram PACEY (training contributor)

### Key Quotes
> We are delighted to have been selected to lead on this vital training programme. This programme offers early years educators the opportunity to upskill and gain more confidence to support children with SEND at no cost to themselves or the setting and shows the increasing value being placed on early years education and its impact.
> — Catherine Mole, Chief Executive of Dingley's Promise

> The earliest years of a childs life shape everything that follows, which is why its so important that early years staff feel confident spotting and supporting additional needs from the very start. This new training will give practitioners practical, everyday tools, whether thats providing quiet zones separate to spaces for noisy play or making an activity accessible at different heights, so that every child can feel included, understood, and ready to learn. Getting this right early means fewer children falling through the gaps later on, and a stronger foundation for every child to thrive.
> — Paul Waugh, Minister for Early Education

### Sources
- [Nursery World - Dingley's Promise awarded Government contract to deliver national early years SEND training - Nursery World](https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news/dingleys-promise-awarded-government-contract-to-deliver-national-early-years-send-training) - Nursery World