SEN Code of Practice
Guidance that all schools must follow when making decisions about children who have SEN.
All schools continue to have regard to the Code of Practice (1998) on the Identification and Assessment of special educational needs and the Supplement to the Code of Practice (2005).
What is the SEN Code of Practice?
The SEN Code of Practice (1998) is statutory guidance based on the Education Order (Northern Ireland) 1996 and The Education (SEN) Regulations 2005.
Educational settings and schools use the guidance in the SEN Code of Practice to deliver a clear and consistent approach for identifying and providing for children and young people with SEN.
As a parent, you have an important role to play at each of these stages because you have unique knowledge and experience of your child’s needs to share with their school. This helps everyone involved with your child decide on the best way to support them both in school and at home.
The school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is a key person in the school throughout each of the stages. They will help to ensure that the necessary steps are in place to support your child’s ability to access the curriculum and will work in partnership with parents and other school staff to establish the support your child’s needs.
Stages of Special Educational Provision in the SEN Code
The new 3 Stage Code of Practice stages focuses on the level of intensity of the special educational provision needed for each child or young person to improve their individual outcomes.
Stage 1: School Delivered Special Educational Provision
At this stage of the Code of Practice, special educational provision is made by the school.
The child or young person will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
Responsibility for teaching and learning lies with the school.
School will put in place reasonable adjustments and additional strategies and approaches aimed at meeting and addressing the child’s SEN.
The majority of children and young people with SEN will have their educational needs met through this stage of provision.
Will my child stay at Stage 1 of the Code?
Often a child makes progress in response to school delivered special educational provision at Stage 1. If this is the case, the child may be removed from the SEN Register. If a child does not make adequate progress and continues to experience significant difficulties despite the school fully implementing a wide range of provision at Stage 1, the setting may consider seeking external support or advice from the Education Authority or Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT).
Stage 2: School Delivered Special Educational Provision plus External Provision
At this stage of the Code of Practice, special educational provision is made by the school plus external provision e.g. the EA or an HSCT.
The child or young person will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
Responsibility for teaching and learning lies with the school plus external provision from the EA.
School will put in place Reasonable adjustments, additional strategies and approaches plus resources, advice, guidance, support and training provided through the EA SEN support services to address the child’s SEN.
A smaller number of children and young people will need this provision.
Will my child stay at Stage 2 of the Code?
A child will be recorded at Stage 2 whilst additional support is being provided from either EA or a HSCT, or whilst a request for Statutory Assessment is being made.
If a child or young person makes adequate progress following external support at Stage 2, they may return to Stage 1 and continue to be provided with the school delivered special educational provision. However, if they do not make suitable progress, despite the external support, they may be referred for consideration of a statutory assessment of their educational needs.
If the EA agree to carry out a statutory assessment and then decide to issue a Statement, the child or young person will then move to Stage 3 of the Code.
If the EA does not agree to carry out a statutory assessment, the child or young person may remain at Stage 2 if receiving additional support from EA SEND Services or be placed at Stage 1 and continue to receive school-based SEN Provision.
Stage 3: Statement of SEN
At this stage of the Code of Practice, special educational provision is made by the school, EA plus any relevant treatment or service identified by a HSCT.
The child or young person will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
The responsibility lies with the school and the EA – with input from HSCT where relevant
School will put in place reasonable adjustments, school delivered special educational provision plus EA provision as set out in a Statement.
A smaller number of children and young people will need this provision.
Will my child stay at Stage 3 of the Code?
Article 19 of the Education Order 1996 requires all statements to be reviewed annually. This is to ensure that the needs of the child are still being met and that the placement and provision remains appropriate.
The recommendations in each Annual Review will determine whether or not Stage 3 is appropriate for the current needs of the child.