What you need to know about the SEND Code of Practice

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice provides statutory guidance on the SEND system for children and young people aged 0 to 25. PDF

All schools must have regard to the code when taking decisions relating to pupils with SEN or disabilities.

The SEND Code of Practice is ‘statutory’ for all schools which means that there is a legal requirement for schools to follow the code.

Parents and young people must be included in decision making so it is important that there is good communication between home and school. It is essential and beneficial to the young person for parents/carers and school to work with each other.

Mainstream schools must be clear in what is expected of them in terms of provision for young people with SEND. It is a ‘step by step’ approach starting with the expectations of what schools can offer to support young people from their own resources through SEN Support.

All Local Authorities must publish a ‘local offer’ which explains what is on offer.

The Local Offer link to inclusive practice

This is a link to West Sussex Local Offer as an example that also includes helpful information about SEN Support before going on to explain about Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). How the EHC assessment process works. EHCPs are issued for a very small percentage of pupils as the expectation is that the needs of most young people with SEND can be met from the school’s own resources.

SEND is also explained on page 13 of the code and section 77 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

Myths

1. A young person with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD or Dyslexia always needs an EHCP. The needs of many young people with these difficulties can be met through SEN Support.

2. Mainstream schools cannot meet the needs for young people with SEND. Mainstream schools should be able to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of a majority of young people with SEND including learning needs or physical disabilities as part of their being inclusive.

3. Funding for SEND pupils can only be obtained through an EHCP. Local Authorities have different ways of funding SEND and this should be made clear on their Local Offer. An EHCP would provide additional funding in exceptional circumstances if the delegated resources are not sufficient to cover a pupil’s needs.

4. Young people with SEND need 1 to 1 support in school. Many pupils respond well to group support or having work differentiated for them within the mainstream class. It has become less common for pupils to be taken out of class for 1 to 1 or small group help although this may be necessary in certain circumstances e.g. to follow a particular programme.

Independent support for families

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offer information, advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This service is also offered directly to young people.

SENDIASS services are funded directly by the Government and, although they may work from a local authority building, are independent of the LA.