UKPGA-2001-10 Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 UK

Current to 2021-10-18

Contents
preamble

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Part 1

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Mainstream education

s. 1 — Education in mainstream schools of children with special educational needs

In the Education Act 1996 (“the 1996 Act”), for section 316 substitute—

General duties of local education authorities

s. 2 — Advice and information for parents

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s. 3 — Resolution of disputes

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s. 4 — Compliance with orders

In the 1996 Act, insert the following section—

Appeals

s. 5 — Unopposed appeals

In the 1996 Act, insert the following section—

s. 6 — Maintenance of statement during appeal

In paragraph 11 of Schedule 27 to the 1996 Act (circumstances in which a local education authority may cease to maintain a statement), after sub-paragraph (4) insert—

Identification and assessment of educational needs

s. 7 — Duty to inform parent where special educational provision made
s. 7(1)

In the 1996 Act, insert the following section—

s. 7(2)

After subsection (3) of section 123 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31) (provision for children with special educational needs), insert—

s. 8 — Review or assessment of educational needs at request of responsible body

In the 1996 Act, insert the following section—

s. 9 — Duty to specify named school

In section 324 of the 1996 Act (statement of special educational needs), after subsection (4) insert—

Amendment of statement of special educational needs

s. 10 — Amendment of statement of special educational needs

Schedule 1 makes further provision concerning the rights of parents and others where a statement of special educational needs is amended.

Part 2

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION

Duties of responsible bodies

s. 11 — Discrimination against disabled pupils and prospective pupils

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s. 12 — Meaning of “discrimination”

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s. 13 — Disabled pupils not to be substantially disadvantaged

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s. 14 — Accessibility strategies and plans

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s. 15 — Accessibility strategies and plans: procedure

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s. 16 — Residual duty of education authorities

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Enforcement

s. 17 — Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal

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s. 18 — Jurisdiction and powers of the Tribunal

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s. 19 — Procedure

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s. 20 — Admissions

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s. 21 — Exclusions

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s. 22 — Roles of the Secretary of State and the National Assembly

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s. 23 — Enforcement procedure: Scotland

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s. 24 — Validity and revision of agreements of responsible bodies

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s. 25 — Interpretation

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Duties of responsible bodies

s. 26 — Discrimination against disabled students and prospective students

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s. 27 — Meaning of “discrimination”

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s. 28 — Disabled students not to be substantially disadvantaged

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s. 29 — Further education etc. provided by local education authorities and schools

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Enforcement

s. 30 — Right of redress

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s. 31 — Occupation of premises by educational institutions

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s. 32 — Validity and revision of agreements

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s. 33 — Interpretation

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s. 34 — Removal of certain duties of funding bodies
s. 34(1)

In section 65 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13) (administration of funds by higher education funding councils), omit subsections (4A) and (4B).

s. 34(2)

In section 40 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 (c. 37), omit subsections (5) and (6).

s. 34(3)

Section 528 of the 1996 Act ceases to have effect.

s. 34(4)

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s. 34(5)

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s. 34(6)

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s. 34(7)

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s. 34(8)

In section 35 of that Act (conditions imposed on financial resources in Wales), omit subsections (4) and (6).

s. 35 — Extension of role of Disability Rights Commission

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s. 36 — Codes of practice

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s. 37 — Conciliation for disputes under Part 4 of the 1995 Act

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s. 38 — Relationship with other Parts of the 1995 Act

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s. 39 — Application to the Isles of Scilly

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s. 40 — Duty of Teacher Training Agency

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Part 3

SUPPLEMENTARY

s. 41 — Expenses of Secretary of State

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any increase attributable to this Act in the sums so payable under any other enactment.

s. 42 — Minor amendments and repeals
s. 42(1)

Schedule 8 makes minor and consequential amendments.

s. 42(2)

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s. 42(3)

If, as a result of any other amendment made by Part 1 of that Schedule, a power to make regulations is conferred, that power is exercisable so far as it relates to Wales by the National Assembly for Wales.

s. 42(4)

But each of the powers conferred as a result of subsection (3)—

s. 42(4)(a)

is to be treated as if it had been transferred to the National Assembly for Wales by an Order in Council under section 22 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38); and

s. 42(4)(b)

that transfer may be revoked by an Order in Council under that section.

s. 42(5)

For the purposes of section 22 of the Government of Wales Act 1998, an Order in Council made as a result of subsection (4)(b) is to be treated as if it were revoking a previous Order in Council.

s. 42(6)

The repeals set out in Schedule 9 have effect.

s. 43 — Short title, interpretation, commencement and extent
s. 43(1)

This Act may be cited as the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

s. 43(2)

In this Act—“the 1995 Act” means the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50); and“the 1996 Act” means the Education Act 1996 (c. 56).

s. 43(3)

Except as provided in subsections (4) and (6), this Act (apart from this section) comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may appoint by order.

s. 43(4)

The following provisions of this Act come into force on the day on which it is passed—but only so far as is necessary for enabling the making of any regulations for which they provide.

s. 43(4)(a)

section 4,

s. 43(4)(b)

section 5,

s. 43(4)(c)

section 9,

s. 43(4)(d)

section 42(2) to (4), and

s. 43(4)(e)

paragraphs 6 to 10, 13(1) to (4) and 14(3) of Schedule 8 (and section 42(1) so far as relating to those provisions),

s. 43(5)

Nothing in subsection (4) affects the operation of section 13 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30) in relation to this Act.

s. 43(6)

The following provisions come into force as respects Wales on such day as the National Assembly for Wales may appoint by order—

s. 43(6)(a)

sections 1 to 3;

s. 43(6)(b)

sections 7 and 8;

s. 43(6)(c)

section 9 (so far as not brought into force by subsection (4));

s. 43(6)(d)

sections 14 and 15;

s. 43(6)(e)

section 22, so far as it gives the National Assembly for Wales power to give directions under section 28M(1) or (3) of the 1995 Act or makes provision in relation to such a direction;

s. 43(6)(f)

subsections (1) and (6) of section 42 (but only in so far as they relate to the provisions mentioned in paragraphs (g) to (i));

s. 43(6)(g)

in Part 1 of Schedule 8—

s. 43(6)(g)(i)

paragraphs 1, 5, 11 and 12; and

s. 43(6)(g)(ii)

paragraphs 6 to 10 and 14 (so far as not brought into force by subsection (4));

s. 43(6)(h)

in Part 2 of that Schedule, paragraphs 16 to 18; and

s. 43(6)(i)

in Schedule 9, the entries relating to—

s. 43(6)(i)(i)

the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 (c. 33); and

s. 43(6)(i)(ii)

section 325(1) of, and Schedule 27 to, the 1996 Act.

s. 43(7)

Different days may be appointed for different provisions and for different purposes.

s. 43(8)

An order under this section—

s. 43(8)(a)

must be made by statutory instrument; and

s. 43(8)(b)

may contain incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional provisions and savings.

s. 43(9)

Subsection (10) applies to an order bringing any provision made by—into force.

s. 43(9)(a)

section 28, or

s. 43(9)(b)

paragraph 2 or 6 of Schedule 5,

s. 43(10)

The order may, in particular, include provision for the duty imposed by section 28T(1) of the 1995 Act to have effect with such modifications as may be specified in the order for a period which ends—

s. 43(10)(a)

on a date so specified; or

s. 43(10)(b)

on the making by the Secretary of State of an order made by statutory instrument bringing the period to an end.

s. 43(11)

Amendments made by this Act to the 1996 Act have the same extent as that Act.

s. 43(12)

Parts 2 and 3 do not extend to Northern Ireland.

s. 43(13)

Nothing in this Act shall impose any charge on the people or on public funds, or vary the amount or incidence of or otherwise alter any such charge in any manner, or affect the assessment, levying, administration or application of any money raised by any such charge.

Sch 1

AMENDMENT TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Sch 1

PROCEDURE FOR MAKING AMENDMENT TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Sch 1 para 1

Schedule 27 to the 1996 Act (making and maintenance of statement of special educational needs) is amended as follows.

Sch 1 para 2

For paragraph 1 substitute—

Sch 1 para 3

For paragraph 2 substitute—

Sch 1 para 4

In paragraph 3, in sub-paragraph (1), for the words from “a parent” to “paragraph 2” substitute.

Sch 1 para 5

In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), for “paragraph 2(b)” substitute “ paragraph 2B ”.

Sch 1 para 6

In that paragraph omit sub-paragraph (4).

Sch 1 para 7

After that paragraph, insert—

Sch 1 para 8

In paragraph 4, in sub-paragraph (1)—

Sch 1 para 8(a)

after “paragraph 2” insert “ , or on whom a proposed amended statement or an amendment notice has been served under paragraph 2A, ”;

Sch 1 para 8(b)

in paragraphs (a) and (b), for “statement” substitute “ proposed statement or the statement as it will have effect if amended in the way proposed by the authority ”.

Sch 1 para 9

In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), after “sub-paragraph (1)(b)” insert.

Sch 1 para 10

In that paragraph, in sub-paragraphs (4)(a) and (5), for “paragraph 2(b)” substitute “ paragraph 2B ”.

Sch 1 para 11

In paragraph 5, in sub-paragraph (1), after “make” insert “ or amend ”.

Sch 1 para 12

In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), for “The statement” substitute “ If a local education authority make a statement, it ”.

Sch 1 para 13

After that sub-paragraph insert—

Sch 1 para 14

For paragraph 6, substitute—

Sch 1 para 15

In paragraph 8(1)(b)—

Sch 1 para 15(e)

in sub-paragraph (ii), after “statement” insert “ or amended statement ”; and

Sch 1 para 15(f)

omit sub-paragraph (iii).

Sch 1 para 16

In paragraph 9—

Sch 1 para 16(g)

in sub-paragraph (1), omit “amend or” and “10 or”; and

Sch 1 para 16(h)

in sub-paragraph (2)—

Sch 1 para 16(h)(i)

after paragraph (a), insert “ or ”,

Sch 1 para 16(h)(ii)

omit paragraph (b), the word “or” after paragraph (c) and paragraph (d).

Sch 1 para 17

Omit paragraph 10.

Sch 1

APPEALS AGAINST AMENDMENTS TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Sch 1 para 18

Section 326 of the 1996 Act is amended as follows.

Sch 1 para 19

For subsection (1) substitute—

Sch 1 para 20

In subsection (2), for “paragraph 10” substitute “ paragraph 2A ”.

Sch 2

RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR SCHOOLS

Paragraph

...

Sch 3

AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE 1995 ACT

Paragraph

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Paragraph

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Sch 4

RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Paragraph

...

Sch 5

MODIFICATIONS OF CHAPTER 2 OF PART 4 OF THE 1995 ACT

Paragraph

...

Sch 6

AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 4 TO THE 1995 ACT

Paragraph

...

Sch 7

AMENDMENTS TO THE DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION ACT 1999

Sch 7 para 1

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Sch 7 para 2

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Sch 7 para 3

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Sch 7 para 4

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Sch 7 para 5

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Sch 7 para 6

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Sch 7 para 7

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Sch 7 para 8

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Sch 7 para 9

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Sch 8

MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS

Sch 8

THE 1996 ACT

Sch 8 para 1

The 1996 Act is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 2 — The re-naming of the Tribunal

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Sch 8 para 3

In section 333, for subsection (1) substitute—

Sch 8 para 4

In paragraph 118(3) of Schedule 37, omit paragraph (d).

Sch 8 para 5 — Annual reports

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Sch 8 para 6 — Contents and service of notices
Sch 8 para 6(1)

In section 325 (appeal against decision not to make a statement), in subsection (1), omit “, and of the effect of subsection (2) below,”.

Sch 8 para 6(2)

After subsection (2) of that section insert—

Sch 8 para 7
Sch 8 para 7(1)

In section 328 (reviews of educational needs), in subsection (3)(a), for the words from “notice” to “below” substitute “ notice in writing of that fact ”.

Sch 8 para 7(2)

After subsection (3) of that section insert—

Sch 8 para 8
Sch 8 para 8(1)

In section 329 (assessment of educational needs at request of child’s parent), in subsection (2)(a), for the words from “notice” to “below” substitute “ notice in writing of that fact ”.

Sch 8 para 8(2)

After subsection (2) of that section insert—

Sch 8 para 9
Sch 8 para 9(1)

In paragraph 8 of Schedule 27 (change of name of school), in sub-paragraph (3)(a), for the words from “notice” to “below” substitute “ notice in writing of that fact ”.

Sch 8 para 9(2)

After sub-paragraph (3) of that paragraph insert—

Sch 8 para 10
Sch 8 para 10(1)

In paragraph 11 of that Schedule (ceasing to maintain a statement), in sub-paragraph (2)(a), for the words from “notice” to “below” substitute “ notice in writing of that fact ”.

Sch 8 para 10(2)

After sub-paragraph (2) of that paragraph insert—

Sch 8 para 11 — Proposals to make an assessment
Sch 8 para 11(1)

In section 323(1)(a) (assessment of special educational needs), for “propose” substitute “ are considering whether ”.

Sch 8 para 11(2)

In paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 26 (making of assessments under section 323), for “propose” substitute “ are considering whether ”.

Sch 8 para 12 — Statements: suitable arrangements made by parents

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Sch 8 para 13 — Procedure regulations
Sch 8 para 13(1)

Section 336 is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 13(2)

In subsection (2)—

Sch 8 para 13(2)(a)

omit paragraph (d); and

Sch 8 para 13(2)(b)

in paragraph (g), for “discovery” substitute “ disclosure ”.

Sch 8 para 13(3)

After subsection (2), insert—

Sch 8 para 13(4)

In subsection (4), for “that Act” substitute “ that Part ”.

Sch 8 para 13(5)

After that subsection, insert—

Sch 8 para 14 — Time limits with respect to assessments
Sch 8 para 14(1)

Paragraph 3 of Schedule 26 (manner and timing of assessments under section 323) is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 14(2)

In sub-paragraph (2), for “paragraph 10” substitute “ paragraph 2A ”.

Sch 8 para 14(3)

For sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) substitute—

Sch 8 para 15 — School attendance orders: amendment of statement of special educational needs
Sch 8 para 15(1)

Section 441 (amendment of statement on service of school attendance order) is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 15(2)

In subsection (3)(a), omit “in accordance with paragraph 10 of Schedule 27”.

Sch 8 para 15(3)

After that subsection, insert—

Sch 8

OTHER ENACTMENTS

Sch 8 para 16 — The Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 (c. 33)

Section 5 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 17

In subsection (1) (requirement to obtain opinion of local authority officer as to whether child is a disabled person)—

Sch 8 para 17(a)

in paragraph (a), omit “under the age of 14”; and

Sch 8 para 17(b)

in paragraph (b)—

Sch 8 para 17(b)(i)

in sub-paragraph (i), for “the first annual review of the statement following the child’s fourteenth birthday” substitute “ a review of the statement prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph ”; and

Sch 8 para 17(b)(ii)

in sub-paragraph (ii), for “that birthday” substitute “ they have carried out the review prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (i) ”.

Sch 8 para 18

In subsection (9) (interpretation), after the definition of “establishment of higher or further education” insert—.

Sch 8 para 19 — The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (c. 53)

The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 20

In section 11(1) (appeals from certain tribunals)—

Sch 8 para 20(a)

for “15(a), (d) or (e)” substitute “ 15(a) or (d) ”; and

Sch 8 para 20(b)

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Sch 8 para 21

In paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 (bodies subject to the supervision of the Council) omit sub-paragraph (e).

Sch 8 para 22

After paragraph 40A of that Schedule, insert—

Sch 8 para 23 — The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31)
Sch 8 para 23(1)

The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 is amended as follows.

Sch 8 para 23(2)

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Sch 8 para 23(3)

In paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (duty of adjudicators to have regard to anti-discrimination duties of other bodies)—

Sch 8 para 23(3)(a)

omit “or”, at the end of sub-paragraph (a); and

Sch 8 para 23(3)(b)

after sub-paragraph (b), insert.

Sch 8 para 23(4)

In Schedule 30 (minor and consequential amendments), omit paragraph 186(2)(b).

Sch 9

REPEALS