SEND support
What is the SEND Code of Practice?
The SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years is the main guidance that explains how the special educational needs and disability system should work for children and young people in England from birth up to age 25. It applies to local authorities, certain schools, further education institutions, some early years providers, certain health bodies, and the First-tier Tribunal.
Who is the Code of Practice for?
It is mainly for the organisations responsible for identifying needs, arranging support, and making sure children and young people with SEND get the help they need. That includes local authorities, schools, colleges, some early years providers, and health services.
What does the Code actually help with?
The Code explains how support should be provided for children and young people with SEND, including how needs are identified, what support should be available in education settings, when an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan may be needed, and how education, health and care services should work together.
Does SEND support only apply at school age?
No. The Code covers children and young people from 0 to 25 years old, so it includes early years, school-age children, and some young people in further education or training.
What is an EHC plan?
An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is for children and young people who need more support than is normally available through SEN support alone. It sets out their needs and the extra help required across education, health, and care. GOV.UK explains that EHC plans are for children and young people up to age 25 who need more support than a school or college would usually provide.
Can a young person still have an EHC plan after age 19?
Yes. In some cases, an EHC plan can continue beyond age 19, up to age 25, where the young person still needs support to complete their education or training outcomes. The Department for Education also publishes separate guidance specifically on entitlement to EHC plans for 19- to 25-year-olds.
What if a child or young person moves to another area?
There is separate DfE guidance covering what should happen when a child or young person with an EHC plan moves into or out of a local authority area. That guidance says the old local authority must transfer the EHC plan to the new local authority within the legal timescales.
Does the Code only apply to children with an EHC plan?
No. The SEND system is broader than EHC plans. The Code helps explain support for children and young people with SEND more generally, including support that should be available before an EHC plan is needed. An EHC plan is for cases where more support is required than is normally available through ordinary SEND support.
What other guidance links to the SEND Code of Practice?
The GOV.UK page lists several related documents, including the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds’ entitlement to EHC plans, SEND tribunal: extended appeals, Mandatory qualification for SENCOs, and EHC plans when a child or young person moves.
Does this guidance apply across the whole UK?
No. The SEND Code of Practice page states that it applies to England.