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Information & advice
A key resource that guides schools, local authorities and professionals in providing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is the SEND Code of Practice.
In this guide, we explain what the Code is, so you can feel more informed and confident about how it works and how it can help your child.
All children in educational settings — whether in nurseries, schools, or colleges — should get the support they need throughout their educational journey. The SEND Code of Practice ensures that children with SEND receive the right support and have equal opportunities to thrive and develop.
Updated in 2015, following the Children and Families Act of 2014, the Code provides a clear framework for identifying, assessing, and meeting the needs of children with SEND.
It applies not only to educational settings like nurseries, schools, and colleges but also to local councils and health services. It ensures that everyone involved in your child’s education and care works together to provide a comprehensive, unified approach.
The SEND Code of Practice is built around several guiding principles, all of which prioritise the needs and well-being of children with SEND:
The Code stresses the importance of placing your child’s and family’s perspectives at the heart of all decisions. You should always feel listened to, involved, and respected during every stage of the process.
Identifying SEND needs early is crucial to providing timely support. Early intervention can prevent challenges from becoming significant barriers to learning. Schools and professionals are encouraged to identify needs as soon as possible and act on them promptly.
The Code emphasises that support should always be personalised, because there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s adapting the classroom layout, offering extra teaching help, or arranging therapy sessions, the support offered should be suited to your child’s specific needs.
The Code of Practice encourages collaboration between education, health and care services. This is to make sure that they’re all working together to support your child in a consistent way. Your child might also have an EHCP (Educational, Health and Care Plan) to further support this collaborative goal.
The goal of the SEND Code of Practice is not just to manage SEND-related challenges but to help your child achieve positive outcomes in their education and day-to-day life.
If you think your child may have special educational needs, the first step is usually a discussion with their school or nursery. This might lead to an assessment process involving input from professionals like the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or educational therapists.
If your child does need extra help, the school should create a plan – this might include specific interventions, like one-to-one support or adjusted teaching methods.
For some children, further help may be needed. This is where Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans come into play. These plans are legally binding, and they set out the specific support your child needs across education, health, and social care.
Under the SEND Code of Practice, all schools are required to have a SEND policy that outlines how they identify and support students with special educational needs. They must appoint a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), a teacher responsible for overseeing SEND provision.
Schools should work closely with parents to create a SEND Support Plan if a child’s needs can be met without an EHC Plan.
Communication is key in this process; schools must involve parents at every stage, and parents should feel empowered to ask questions, share concerns, and be actively involved in decisions.
As a parent or carer, the SEND Code of Practice is a powerful tool that can help you understand your rights and how the system works in school and beyond. Knowing what schools and professionals are legally required to do can help you advocate for your child’s needs.
If you feel your child isn’t receiving the support they need, you can refer to the Code when speaking with the school or local authority.
The Code stresses that decisions should include input from families. It’s not just professionals making decisions – your insight and knowledge about your child is essential to get the right support. You know your child better than anyone and are their best advocate.
To read the full SEND Code of Practice click the link below.
If you have any questions about the SEND Code of Practice or need any help supporting your child’s education, book a free 15-minute support call with us.
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