SEN Code of practice

The SEN code of practice says that

most children with special educational needs will be able to have their needs met in mainstream schools
there is a wide range of special educational needs and a wide variety of ways to meet those needs
children with special educational needs should have a broad and balanced education
Local Education Authorities (LEAs), schools and other services such as health should work together so that they are aware of children with special educational needs
some very young children may have special educational needs and may need early support from education and health services
parents and carers should be fully involved in their child's education.

The code of practice recommends that all schools should

make provision for children with special educational needs
have a policy on special educational needs
have a named teacher with responsibility for co-ordinating arrangements – the SENCO
use a 'staged approach' to identifying, assessing and planning for children with special educational needs
work with parents/carers and keep them informed about what they are doing to help pupils with special educational needs.

The code of practice and other guidance says that LEAs should

have a special educational needs policy
have agreed ways to work with schools to monitor provision for children with special educational needs
work closely with health and social services to co-ordinate arrangements for children with special educational needs
have a policy about how extra support and support services are provided for children and schools
for a very small number of children with severe and complex needs, arrange a statutory assessment and decide whether to make a statement of special educational needs

The full (very large) document is available for download below, but if you would like information on how to obtain a paper copy, please contact

Special Needs Section
Education Department
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG

Tel: 01629 580000 ext 6466
email: sen.admin@derbyshire.gov.uk

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