Meeting special educational needs – the SEN Code of Practice for Wales

 

The Welsh Assembly Government has developed a Code of Practice that gives practical guidance on how to identify and assess children with special educational needs. 

 

The basic principles of the Code are:

  • all children with special educational needs should have their needs met.
  • the special educational needs of children are normally met in mainstream, early years settings or schools.
  • your views will be taken into account and the wishes of your child will be listened to.
  • you have the vital role in supporting your child’s education.
  • children with special educational needs should receive a broad, well-balanced and   relevant education.

The Code describes a graduated response as follows:

 

Approach

Response to Special Educational Need

Identification

A child’s SEN is identified based on their inadequate progress

Early Years/

School Action

Early Years Providers/School informs parents that their child is considered as having SEN. SEN co-ordinator (SENCO) and colleagues gather information about the child, including parents. SENCO organises additional provision and ensures that an individual education plan (IEP) is drawn up, working with the child’s teachers to devise school-based interventions

Early Years/

School Action Plus

SENCO brings in outside specialists to advise on further changes that could be made within the school to meet the child’s needs

Statutory Assessment

LEA considers the need for statutory assessment and, if appropriate, makes a multi-disciplinary assessment

After assessment

LEA considers the need for a Statement of SEN and, if appropriate, makes a Statement and arranges, monitors and reviews provision

 

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