Code of practice.

SEN Code of Practice

1. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice 2001.

The current SEN Code of Practice for England and Wales came into effect on January 1st 2002 and takes account of the provisions of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. The Code of Practice sets out the way schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should provide extra support the meet children’s special educational needs.

The Code of Practice and the other related publications below, are available free from DfES Publications, Tel: 0845 60 222 60
CoP Ref: DfES/581/2001.
Copies can also be downloaded from the DfES website.
Web: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=3724

The Code of Practice is shaped and supported by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.
Web: www.hmso.gov.uk/acts.htm

2. Special Educational Needs – A Guide for Parents and Carers.

If you are the parent of a child with special educational needs, the most useful publication is ‘Special Educational Needs – A Guide for Parents and Carers’. This guide provides an essential summary of the Code of Practice. It explains what help your child is entitled to, how you can access that help from schools and LEAs, and what to do if you encounter difficulties along the way.

‘Special Educational Needs – A Guide for Parents and Carers’ is available free from DfES Publications Tel: 0845 60 222 60
.
Copies can also be downloaded from the DfES website.

Web: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=11135

3. The SEN Tooklit.

‘The SEN Toolkit’ is designed mainly for schools and LEAs. It provides practical advice on how to implement the Code of Practice. It should be read in conjunction with the Code. It also provides a number of pages that can be copied and used as slides for training purposes.

‘The SEN Toolkit’ is available free from DfES Publications Tel: 0845 60 222 60
.
Copies can also be downloaded from the DfES website.
Web: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/sen/teacherlearningassistant/toolkit/

4. The Process of Assessment.

The core aim of the Government’s SEN policy is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to benefit from an inclusive education. The Code of Practice recommends a graduated response to a child’s special educational needs. It is broadly divided into three stages:

School Action - This is the stage at which a teacher or Special Educational Coordinator (SENCO) identifies a child with special needs. In consultation with the child’s parents, they will agree to provide additional support beyond what is provided as part of the standard curriculum.

School Action Plus – In some cases, it may be necessary to seek help from specialist outside services. At this stage, School Action Plus is implemented.

Request for a Statutory Assessment – For some children, the stages above are not enough to meet their additional needs. In this case, either the school or the parents may ask for a statutory assessment. If you as a parent request this statutory assessment, the LEA will still need to contact the school or other professionals for evidence of your child’s needs.

For children under the compulsory school age but over 2 years old, the Code of Practice recommends the same three stages, but calls them Early Years Action and Early Years Action Plus.

5. Useful contacts.

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)
Advice line. Tel: 0808 800 5793 Fax: 020 7354 9069
Admin Email: ace-ed@easynet.co.uk
Web: www.ace-ed.org.uk

Community Legal Service Directory.
Search for Education Law specialists in your area.
Web: www.clsdirect.org.uk

Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA).
Free Advice Line for parents. England & Wales 0800 018 4016. Scotland. Tel: 0131 454 0082. Northern Ireland. 01232 705 654
Web: www.ipsea.org.uk

Network 81. (Advises parents about statementing)
Tel: 0870 770 3306 Fax: 0870 770 3263
Email: info@network81.org
Web: http://network81.org/

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Page updated 28 February 2008