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.

Published 11 June 2014
Last updated 1 May 2015 — see all updates
From:
Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care
Applies to:
England

Documents

Details

This statutory code contains:

  • details of legal requirements that you must follow without exception
  • statutory guidance that you must follow by law unless there’s 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 under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

The code, which applies to England, is for:

  • headteachers and principals
  • governing bodies
  • school and college staff
  • special educational needs (SEN) coordinators
  • early education providers
  • local authorities
  • health and 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 (EHC) plan under the Children and Families Act 2014.

Other SEND guides are also available.

Published 11 June 2014
Last updated 1 May 2015 + show all updates
  1. Removed version of SEND code that was valid until 31 March 2015. Clarified when 2001 SEND code is still applicable.
  2. Published the revised 'SEN and disability code of practice 0 to 25 years' which comes into effect on 1 April 2015.
  3. Added link to the 'SEND: guide for parents and carers' page.
  4. Updated the 'SEND code of practice: 0 to 25' document. It comes into force on 1 September 2014.
  5. Updated transitional and savings provisions document includes substantial changes throughout.
  6. First published.