Research and analysis

Identifying and supporting the needs of children with SEND in mainstream settings

Findings from a series of rapid evidence assessments on what works to identify and support the needs of children and young people with SEND in mainstream and early years settings.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 25 September 2025
• Last updated: 30 July 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Behavioural and social communication interventions for children and young people with SEMH and autism: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-786-6, RR1624

PDF, 914 KB, 93 pages

Cross-cutting themes in identifying, supporting and collaborating for children and young people with SEND: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-703-3, RR1546

PDF, 889 KB, 104 pages

Identifying and supporting children and young people with cognition and learning needs: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-698-2, RR1547

PDF, 776 KB, 87 pages

Identifying and supporting children and young people with sensory and/or physical needs: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-701-9, RR1548

PDF, 624 KB, 59 pages

Identifying and supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-699-9, RR1549

PDF, 692 KB, 76 pages

Identifying and supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-700-2, RR1550

PDF, 673 KB, 68 pages

Identifying and supporting the needs of autistic children and young people: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-702-6, RR1551

PDF, 626 KB, 65 pages

Identifying and supporting the needs of children and young people with SEND: rapid evidence methodology

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-704-0, RR1552

PDF, 639 KB, 39 pages

Supporting stammering, speech, and language needs in the early years: a rapid evidence review

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-705-7, RR1553

PDF, 1.12 MB, 170 pages

Supporting stammering, speech and language needs in the early years: rapid review and case study methodology

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-706-4, RR1554

PDF, 874 KB, 46 pages

Details

Evidence is presented on:

• the identification of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• effective methods of support
• collaborative practices

In relation to:

• cognition and learning needs
• sensory and physical needs
• social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH)
• stammering, speech, language and communication needs
• autism

These documents aim to support children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with SEND in mainstream educational settings.

By highlighting effective tools and strategies, the reviews seek to equip educators with practical, research-informed approaches to improve attainment, behaviour and social communication outcomes for these learners.

Published 25 September 2025

Last updated 30 July 2026 — Show all updates

1. 30 July 2026

   Added 'Behavioural and social communication interventions for children and young people with SEMH and autism: a rapid evidence review'.

2. 25 September 2025

   First published.