SEND

The statutory framework for provision for special educational needs and disability is set out in the Children Act and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations. A code of practice was published by the Department of Health and Department of Education in July 2014 and contains statutory guidance for organisations working with and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The aim is that such children will achieve well and thus lead happy and fulfilled lives. The system should run efficiently by detecting needs early and putting support into place quickly, whilst involving children and their parents or carers throughout the process.

One of the statutory requirements is that a local offer be produced by every local authority in England. The local offer is a document giving information about available provision for children with SEND, taking into account the views and needs of the children and their parents themselves. This has been produced for Sutton and can be found at https://www.sutton.gov.uk/sutton-s-local-offer and contains information about contact details for discussion of child needs, assessment of children for SEND provision, how information is communicated to parents and carers, progress reviews and what is done if progress is inadequate, the curriculum, how needs are met, additional support available, support for exams, social and emotional support and local authority support services that are utilised.