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.
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) co-ordinators
- early years providers
- other education settings
- local authorities
- health and social services staff
Other SEND guides are also available.
Mandatory qualification for SENCOs
On 1 September 2024 the NPQ for SENCOs replaced the NASENCO as the mandatory qualification for SENCOs .
Schools and SENCOs should consult the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 to ensure they enrol on the relevant qualification.
For more information see Mandatory qualification for SENCOs.
Updates to this page
Last updated 12 September 2024 + show all updates
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Added a link to the SENCOs mandatory qualification guidance.
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Added link to guidance on 'Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus'.
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Removed version of SEND code that was valid until 31 March 2015. Clarified when 2001 SEND code is still applicable.
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Published the revised 'SEN and disability code of practice 0 to 25 years' which comes into effect on 1 April 2015.
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Added link to the 'SEND: guide for parents and carers' page.
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Updated the 'SEND code of practice: 0 to 25' document. It comes into force on 1 September 2014.
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Updated transitional and savings provisions document includes substantial changes throughout.
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First published.