Legal Framework

and Helpful Guidance
There are many laws, government bodies, independent organisations and charities that shape the treatment and legal protections of the SEND community. On this page you will find useful links and information regarding policies.

Helpful Guidance

IPSEA

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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NICE Guidelines

National Institute for Healthcare Excellence

Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral, and diagnosis

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NICE Guidelines

National Institute for Healthcare Excellence

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management

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SEND Code of Practice

Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities

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Children and Families Act, 2014

CAFA,2014 is legally binding which means that the Local Authority (LA) and schools must comply with it or else they are acting unlawfully. Part 3 of the CAFA 2014 contains all the relevant sections about children and young people with SEN and disabilities

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The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014

The “SEN Regs” are the regulations underpinning the CAFA, 2014. These are also legally binding.

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ALLFIE

The Alliance for Inclusive Education. ALLFIE is a Disabled people-led organisation, which seeks to build alliances with individuals and organisations with shared vision.

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Human Rights

United Nations Convention on the rights of the child (UNCRC)

Legislation, case law and policy that demonstrate how children's rights, set out in the UNCRC, are protected in England.

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The Equality, Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations.

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The Equality, Act (Disability) Regulations 2010
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