Extension to temporary changes to SEND law for EHC Plans

On 29th June, the Secretary of State issued a notice to extend the temporary changes to the law on what provision has to be made currently for children and young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. The temporary changes to the law have been in force since 1 May and are now extended to 31 July. Once the notice expires, the Secretary of State can issue a further notice for a period of up to a month if it would be appropriate and proportionate to do so in the context of coronavirus. Read the full Guidance on the Government website.

Consultation on changes to the School Admission Code

The Department for Education has just launched a consultation on a revised version of the School Admissions Code (Code) and would welcome your feedback. They are planning to host virtual consultation sessions and would like to know of any SEND stakeholders who would like to be involved so they can plan accordingly. The consultation will run until 16 October and updates will be published on this government webpage.

The proposed changes to the School Admissions Code are intended to support vulnerable children and would, therefore, potentially have significant implications for children with SEND. In addition, SEND stakeholders may have a particular interest in a specific recommendation about how the Code should provide for decisions about the admission of children and young people with Challenging Behaviour. They are keen to hear from a wide range of SEND stakeholders to help ensure that all relevant SEND considerations are factored into Ministers’ decisions as to the best way forward.

The DfE have also published an updated statement on the admission of summer born children.