School Ethos

The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice describes the ways in which schools and LEAs should set out to meet special educational needs.

The right of children to have their special educational needs met in mainstream schools has recently been strengthened by changes to the law. Section 316A of the Education Act 1996 requires LEAs and maintained schools to have regard to the statutory framework for inclusion, and further statutory guidance on this is available in the document Inclusive Schooling. All schools and LEAs are required to have regard to this guidance and should have a stated policy on inclusion.

Since September 2002 schools have been required not to treat disabled pupils less favourably for a reason relating to their disability, and to take reasonable steps to ensure that they are not consequently placed at a disadvantage. The Disability Rights Code of Practice outlines these duties.

It is widely recognised that three elements need to be in place for successful inclusion:

Where attitudes are positive towards inclusion, there is generally a willingness to ensure that the other elements are put in place.

In addition to their statutory duties schools have a role to play in their local community to support the inclusion of all members of that community.

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Class or subject teacher

SENCO

Head teacher

School Governor

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