Special Educational Needs And Disability Act

The role of the SENCo has developed through government policy and undergone significant changes in the past decade with the introduction of the statutory SEN Code of Practice 2001 which states that the role of the SENCo includes identifying and placing pupils in need of special educational provision on a graduated system, liaising with parents and other professionals in regards to children with SEND and advising and supporting other practitioners in the field amongst other responsibilities.

This act required the code of practice be introduced for guidance on identification and provision of special educational needs. The role of the SENCO was introduced in schools and parents were able to challenge local authorities about providing for pupils with SEN.

SEN Code of Practice 2001- The SEN code of practice 2001 provides a clear framework for identifying, assessing and meeting pupils' special educational needs.

There are many different types of professionals who can offer support to children who are not following the expected pattern of development, the support is usually coordinated by the schools, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). If a child starts school with a disability the SENCO will have been informed by the child’s parents prior to the child starting. The child may already be receiving support from a number of professionals. For example a child with a physical disability may well be receiving treatment from a physiotherapist, with exercises given to

The SENCO takes day to day responsibility for the operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination if the provision made for individual children with special educational needs, working closely with staff, parents/carers and other agencies.

The special educational needs (SEN) team are supported by a very active group who make sure that they provide a range of activities to meet the needs of our ever growing community of special schools, as well as colleagues in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

On October 1st 2010, the Equality Act came into force. This consolidated and strengthened the previous equality laws. This act prevents children and their families from being discriminated, victimised or harassed because of their age, sex, race, religion or disability. Through this act each child, whether already in the setting, or applying through admissions, will be treated in a fair and equal way, with aims for all children to have reasonable provisions to allow them to access all educational areas. Although a school is not expected to make adjustments that are not reasonable, they are expected to make general adjustments, reasonably planned within the school’s approach to planning for SEN children. The Equality Act 2010 outlines four definitions of discrimination, direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, discrimination arising from a disability and harassment and victimisation. This allows school settings to have clearer expectations and implement them. The Equality Act 2010 and the Discrimination Disability Act (DDA) (2005) both aim to ensure each and every child has access to a broad and balanced academic and social curriculum. Following this code of practice in a school, confirms that all members of staff provide the same high-quality teaching to children, as well as displaying professional behaviour.

Outcome 1 Understand the legislation and policies that support the human rights ind inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities

Most schools and academies now have written policies and parts of their mission statements specifically made for the inclusion and equality of SEN children. They must be in written form and should also be posted on the website for access to all who require it. There should also be policies which show the rights and responsibilities of those within the environment.

The special educational needs (SEN) team are supported by a very active group who make sure that they provide a range of activities to meet the needs of our ever growing community of special schools, as well as colleagues in mainstream primary and secondary schools. Their aim is to work together to ensure good practice to promote effective approaches to enhance the students learning with Special educational needs.

The act was designed to make a difference to the education of SEN children by allowing them to have access to the educational facilities available all children. This is done by offering support tailored to the needs of the individual and their families whilst taking the opinion and wishes of the child into account with

Children with behavioural, social and emotional needs without the right support in place can struggle within an education setting, children with these difficulties can be identified under the SEN code of practice when this identifies the problems and how the setting can support/set reachable targets for the child this is usually in the form of a IHP or a statement.

The SEN code of practice was updated in 2014 and now covers the 0-25 age range and includes guidance relating to children and young people with disability and SEN. There is a more focused view on children and young people and parents in decision making. A stronger focus on high aspirations and on improving outcomes for children and young people. The code includes guidance on the joint planning and commissioning of services to make sure that education, health services and social care have a close co-operation. Guidance on publishing a local offer of support for children and young people with disabilities and SEN. Education and training settings take a graduated approach to identify and support pupils and students with SEN (to replace School

Special Schools with secondary age students can specialise in one of the four areas of the special educational needs (SEN) Code of Practice. Specialist Schools which meet a range of criteria can also opt for a second specialism in a range of curriculum and system leadership areas.

education system accommodates for children with SEN, it is important to know how it has