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Statutory guidance
SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years
Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.
Documents
Detail
This statutory code is issued by law; you must follow it unless there’s a good reason not to. It explains the duties of schools and colleges to provide:
- reasonable adjustments for disabled children and young people
- extra aids and services for disabled children and young people
This code, which applies to England, is for:
- headteachers and principals
- governing bodies
- school and college staff
- special educational needs (SEN) coordinators
- early education providers
- health and social services staff
- local authorities
It applies to:
- local-authority-maintained schools
- pupil referral units (PRUs)
- academies and free schools
- non-maintained special schools (special schools not maintained by a local authority)
- colleges
This document replaces the ‘Special educational needs (SEN): code of practice’ 2001.
We have also published a revised ‘SEN and disability Code of Practice 0 to 25 years’ containing updated guidance on support for children and young people in youth custody.
This will come into effect from 1 April 2015, subject to approval by Parliament. In the meantime you should still follow the July 2014 code.
Other SEND guides are also available.