SEN Code of Practice Framework Summary

Overview of the SEN Code of Practice

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice is a legal framework that provides guidance on supporting students with special educational needs. It sets out the procedures and responsibilities that schools and local authorities must follow to identify, assess, and meet the needs of children with SEN.

Legal Framework

The SEN Code of Practice is based on the legal framework provided by the Education Act 1996 and the Children and Families Act 2014. These acts outline the rights and entitlements of children with SEN and their parents, as well as the duties of schools and local authorities in providing appropriate support.

Under the Education Act 1996, children with SEN have the right to a mainstream education, unless it is incompatible with the provision of efficient education for other students or the efficient use of resources. Local authorities have a duty to identify and assess the special educational needs of children in their area, and to make provision for those needs.

The Children and Families Act 2014 introduced significant changes to the SEN system, including the introduction of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. These plans replace the previous system of statements of special educational needs and bring together education, health, and social care support for children with more complex needs.

Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities

The SEN Code of Practice provides detailed guidance on the steps that schools and local authorities should take to support children with SEN. It emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention, and the need for a graduated approach to meeting individual needs.

Schools are required to have a clear SEN policy and to designate a member of staff as the SEN coordinator (SENCO). The SENCO is responsible for coordinating provision, liaising with parents and other professionals, and ensuring that the school's SEN policy is implemented effectively.

The Code of Practice also highlights the importance of involving parents in decision-making and ensuring that their views are taken into account. It encourages schools and local authorities to work in partnership with parents and to provide them with information and support to enable them to participate fully in the education of their child.

Conclusion

The SEN Code of Practice provides a legal framework that sets out the procedures and responsibilities for supporting students with SEN. It ensures that children with special educational needs are identified, assessed, and provided with appropriate support to enable them to achieve their full potential.

By following the guidance outlined in the Code of Practice, schools and local authorities can ensure that children with SEN receive the support they need to succeed in their education and beyond.