Statutory guidance sets out what schools and local authorities must do to comply with the law. The guidance should be followed unless there is a very good reason not to.
Some guidance must be followed without exception. In these cases, it is made clear in the guidance document itself.
Home to school travel – for children of compulsory school age.
Transport to education and training for people aged 16 and over.
School suspensions and permanent exclusions
School attendance – Working together to improve school attendance
A full list of all statutory guidance around education can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Working Together to Safeguard Children
The Department for Education (DfE) has published an illustrated version of Working Together to Safeguard Children. This has been produced for children, young people and their families, and practitioners working with them.
In addition, the DfE has published an animated video, which provides a simple, easy to understand overview of how the guidance ensures that multi-agency organisations work together to protect and support children and young people.
These resources have been created as children and young people have a right to know how the professionals who help and support them work with each other and what they can expect when they ask for help.
It is recommended that professionals use these resources with the children, young people and families they work with.
Copies of the resources can also be found on the CSCP website.
Legislation (the law)
Legislation is a law passed by Parliament. The main pieces of legislation around special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND):
The SEND Regulations 2014 – this is made up of 6 parts:
- part 1 - Introduction
- part 2 - Children and young people with special educational needs
- part 3 - Duties on schools
- part 4 - Local Offer
- part 5 - Approval of independent special schools and special post-16 institutions
- part 6 - Parents and young people lacking capacity
The Equality Act protects people from discrimination. Both MENCAP and the Department for Health have made ‘easy read’ factsheets about the Act. There is also an easy-read leaflet by the Equalities Office. This gives information on school pupils and reasonable adjustments.
The Children and Families Act (CaFA). Made changes to legislation around services for vulnerable children and young people and families. The parts of the Act about SEND came into force in September 2014.
The Council for Disabled Children have made a guide on Part 3 of the Act: Children and young people with SEND.
The young person's guide to the Children and Families Act 2014 is a summary of the act. It tells you what is in the CaFA.