Legislation and statutory guidance
Details of the SEND code of practice, our strategy and information report and the Children and Families Act.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice
This statutory code contains:
- details of legal requirements that must be followed without exception
- guidance that must be followed by law unless there is a good reason not to. It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs and disabilities under Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014
The code, which applies in England, is for:
- headteachers and principals
- governing bodies
- school and college staff
- SEN coordinators (SENCOs)
- early education providers
- local authorities' health care staff
- local authorities' social services staff
This document replaces the ‘Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice’ 2001.
The 2001 code still applies for those who have a SEN statement under Part 4 of the Education Act 1996, rather than an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) under the Children and Families Act 2014.
Anti-bullying guidance and resources
By law, all schools must have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.
This policy is decided by the school. All teachers, pupils and parents must be told what it is.
More information and what to do is available on our bullying page.
SEN Information report
All schools and academies must provide information about how they identify and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in their learning setting.
This will be on school websites in a written form and will include a plan for improvements to accessibility and transition arrangements, as well as the SEND expertise they have and can draw upon in their local area.
Children and Families Act
Part 3 of this Act is the law that covers children and young people in England with SEND. This includes information on education, health and care plans, personal budgets and the Local Offer.