SEN and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years

This special educational needs and disability code of practice is statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities. The guidance supports the legal framework under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 relates to children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. As the code of practice is statutory guidance, all relevant organisations must have regard to it when exercising their functions towards children and young people with SEN or disabilities.  Therefore, where the code states 'must' the relevant organisation must comply with the obligation and where the code states 'should'  it means that the guidance contained in this code must be considered and that those who must have regard to it will be expected to explain any departure from it.

Those who must have regard to this guidance include:

• local authorities
• First Tier Tribunal (SEN and disability)
• the governing bodies of schools, including non-maintained special schools
• the governing bodies of further education colleges and sixth form colleges
• the proprietors of academies (including free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools)
• the management committees of pupil referral units
• independent schools and independent specialist providers approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014
• all early years providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors that are funded by the local authority.

Click here to view the guidance