1. Children and Families Act 2014

2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Applies only to services in England
Seeks to improve services for vulnerable children and support families
Underpins wider reforms to ensure that all children and young people can succeed regardless of their background
Ensures that all children receive a good or outstanding education

3. Responsibilities
It is the duty of the health bodies to bring certain children to the local authority’s attention
Local authorities have a responsibility for children if they have been identified with special educational needs or a disability within their area
The local authority gathers information from education and other services to enable systems to be put into place to meet the needs of the individual

4. MULTI AGENCIES, SERVICES AND INSTITUTIONS
Local authorities must ensure that the provision in place is sufficient to meet the needs of the individual
The act places a duty on the local authority to promote integration between appropriate agencies
The local authorities should produce a ‘local offer’ which outlines the expectations which should be available for children with SEND.

5. Presumptions for mainstream education
Inclusion for every child. Unless it goes against the wishes of the child or parent or has a negative impact on efficient education of others
If a child has a SEN, they must be educated in a mainstream setting without a EHC Plan. However changes in circumstances means they may be admitted to a special school.

6. Education, health and care plans
EHC assessments and plans replace statutory assessments and statements of special educational need. Many of the legal requirements for EHC assessments and plans are the same or similar to those required for statements. There are also some significant differences, including:
• EHC plans do not necessarily cease when a young person leaves school and can be maintained when a young person is in college, undertaking an apprenticeship, or not in education, employment or training;
• EHC plans can be maintained up to the age of 25;
• There are enforceable elements of health and social care that must be recorded in EHC Plans.

7. Responsibilities of school governing bodies and others
Schools are required to have a SENCO.
The SEND Code of Practice outlines how schools should meet the needs of children and young people in their setting.
The Act requires schools to publish an SEN information report, outlining the SEN policy and arrangements to ensure disabled children are not put at a substantial disadvantage.

8. iMPACT Give greater protection to vulnerable children
Better support for children whose parents are separating
A new system to help children with special educational needs and disabilities
Provide help for parents to balance work and family life
Making sure children and parents are at the forefront of decision making to enable children to achieve their full potential