The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

SEND Code of Practice

Evie Prysor-Jones

The New Send Framework: Legal Obligations and Practical Solutions

There was a very serious atmosphere at the SEND conference on Tuesday 11th November, with many people muttering in hushed voices and an obvious impatience to get started. The aim of the conference was to calm worries and answer questions that the new SEND Code of Practice 2014 has given rise to, so...
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Gareth D Morewood

Planning for EHC plan transfers

From September 2014 the Children and Families Act 2014 became law. A key element of this is the replacement of Statements of Special Educational Needs with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Main differences The main differences are that the EHC plan: is more person centred with more...
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Gareth D Morewood

Starting the new SENCO year in 2014 – don’t panic…

The end of the summer break always gives those who work in schools that ‘funny feeling’: sometimes excitement for new jobs or roles – and often anxiety and a sense of disbelief! With the SEND reform becoming reality from 1 st September, this year will be even more challenging for the SENCO. Don’t...
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Gareth D Morewood

New Code update – all go from September?

After much debate, concern and questions as to timeframes, the final Code has been laid before Parliament – all 271 pages of it! After a considerable wait the following documents have been published (source: Special Needs Jungle). A final 271-page draft of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice...
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Gareth D Morewood

The new draft Code: important points for schools

Following on from my initial thoughts, from my work supporting SENCO colleagues and other schools I know these are areas that currently require a change in thinking. What the Code wants for young people 6.1 All children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make...
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Gareth D Morewood

My initial thoughts about the new draft Code

So, we nearly have a new Code. Many would argue however, that with only the summer term to go, a lot of planning for September 2014 will already be in place. The key message from the DfE is that all guidance for schools (section 6) is not up for further consultation and schools can be confident...
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Gareth D Morewood

Finally the new Code – well almost!

16 th April, two days before Good Friday and many SENCo colleagues are trying desperately to ‘switch off’. I know I have been, after some very lengthy half-terms and as ever, plenty on! However, whatever ‘down time’ you may have thought was yours became punctuated by an Open Consultation on a...
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