Using your Inclusive Mainstream Fund for impactful PSHE

The Inclusive Mainstream Fund (IMF) is designed to support schools to improve inclusivity across their curriculum, leadership and environment. This includes investing in high quality, adaptive teaching, using inclusive pedagogy and creating safe, calm learning environments for all children.

The fund totals £1.2 billion, with schools each receiving a share of the budget. Allocations have already been made and payments will be received separately from school’s core funding. On average schools will receive around £14,000 in 2026-7.

By 31st December 2026, each setting must produce a document detailing how this funding will be spent. Schools’ strategies should show how leaders will ensure provision is high-quality and meets children’s needs, as well as identifying common, predictable needs that cause barriers to learning.

This presents a unique opportunity to invest in high-quality PSHE education, which serves multiple purposes under the IMF recommendations: wellbeing, inclusion and personal development for all.

Strong and effective PSHE is inclusive-by-design, championing diversity and giving all children a voice. It should create safe spaces to talk about tricky issues, build empathy for others and inspire respect for difference.

Why The Story Project is a strategic use of the IMF

The Story Project represents a strategic use of the IMF by providing a diverse, evidence-information PSHE programme that supports pupil wellbeing, personal development and belonging. It helps to give all children a voice.

Through our whole-school approach, it helps primary schools remove barriers to learning, promote equality of opportunity and ensure every child can thrive both academically and personally.

Supports inclusive education priorities and a sense of belonging

The Story Project curriculum means every child feels seen, heard and represented authentically. It champions the protected characteristics and promotes belonging amongst peers, empathy building and respect for difference. The programme helps ensure that all children can access high-quality PSHE education and personal development regardless of background or circumstance.

The programme creates opportunity for pupil voice and participation, supporting the development of confidence, aspiration and positive self-identity.

Supports pupils with SEND and Emerging Needs

The Story Project supports many of the inclusive practices that benefit pupils with identified and emerging SEND.

The programme provides:

• Structured and predictable lesson design.
• Opportunities for communication and self-expression.
• Development of emotional literacy and regulation skills.
• Accessible and adaptable teaching approaches.
• Safe opportunities for discussion and participation.
• Learning experiences that promote confidence, belonging and positive relationships.

These approaches contribute to the removal of barriers to participation and support schools in creating inclusive learning environments for all pupils.

Supports mental health and emotional wellbeing

The Story Project provides opportunities for children to explore emotions, identity and relationships in a safe and age-appropriate way. Our structured PSHE programme supports pupils’ social, emotional and mental wellbeing through research-backed activities such as regulation strategies, emotional vocabulary training and open discussion.

Whole school impact

Resources can be used across all year groups, ensuring consistent messaging and progression. Knowledge deepens to ensure all children leave school ready for their next steps. It also promotes a deeper sense of identity across becausse it:

Strengthens pupils’ sense of belonging within their school community.

Champions equality, diversity and the protected characteristics.

Promotes empathy, understanding and respect for difference.

Creates opportunities for meaningful pupil voice.

Encourages confidence, aspiration and positive self-identity.

Supports children to understand themselves and others.

Cost effective use of funding

The Story Project delivers a full whole-school curriculum, staff support and pupils outcomes through one single provider. This reduces the needs for multiple programmes covering wellbeing, inclusion and personal development.

It offers sustainable, long-term value for schools seeking measureable impact.

Principles of inclusion

The Government has set out 7 core principles which it expects schools to adhere to when planning the use of their IMF budget. The following principals are supported by The Story Project’s programme:

Where can I find out more information about the Inclusive Mainstream Fund?

More information can be found on the Gov.uk website Inclusive mainstream fund for schools: methodology 2026 to 2027