SEND codes of practice and guides
The SEND codes of practice give you all the information that you need to know about the special education needs and disability system.
The guides are designed to support special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) and other professionals in meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). There is also a guide for parents and carers.
- SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years
- SEND code of practice: guide for early education settings
- SEND code of practice: guide for further education providers
- SEND code of practice: guide for health professionals
- SEND code of practice: guide for social care professionals
- SEND: guide for parents and carers
Schools' SEND information reports
All schools have to provide information about how they support pupils with SEND.
SEND legislation and guidance
These are the laws that tell us how to deliver SEND services and the guidance on how to follow those laws.
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Early years foundation stage
- Mental health and behaviour in schools (guidance)
- Schools admissions code (statutory guidance)
- Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions (statutory guidance)
- Transition to the new 0 to 25 SEND system (guidance)
Social care legislation
- Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011
- Care Act 2014
- Care and support for deafblind children and adults policy guidance
- Childrens Act 1989
- Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
Health legislation
SEND Ofsted inspection
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) jointly inspect councils to see how well they fulfil their responsibilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
SEND Tribunal national trial for single route of redress
What is the national trial?
In 2018, the government gave SEND Tribunals the power to make non-binding recommendations about the health and social care aspects of education, health and care plans (EHCPs). At first this was part of a 2 year trial that was meant to end in August 2020. Due to COVID, the government extended the trial until 31 August 2021.
Ministerial decision on the outcome of the National Trial
On 20 July 2021, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that those extended powers should continue. If you want to know more about the trial, follow the path below.