Law

Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

United Kingdom · statute

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In force since 2021-09-01, as the publisher states.

Copy read on 2026-11-08. The page it was read from

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.

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Contents: 52 provisions

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52 provisions

40 Duty of Teacher Training Agency

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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.

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42 Minor amendments and repeals

(1) Schedule 8 makes minor and consequential amendments. (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (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. (4) But each of the powers conferred as a result of subsection (3)— (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 (b) that transfer may be revoked by an Order in Council under that section. (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. (6) The repeals set out in Schedule 9 have effect.

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43 Short title, interpretation, commencement and extent

(1) This Act may be cited as the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. (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). (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. (4) The following provisions of this Act come into force on the day on which it is passed— (a) section 4, (b) section 5, (c) section 9, (d) section 42(2) to (4), and (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), but only so far as is necessary for enabling the making of any regulations for which they provide. (5) Nothing in subsection (4) affects the operation of section 13 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30) in relation to this Act. (6) The following provisions come into force as respects Wales on such day as the National Assembly for Wales may appoint by order— (a) sections 1 to 3; (b) sections 7 and 8; (c) section 9 (so far as not brought into force by subsection (4)); (d) sections 14 and 15; (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; (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)); (g) in Part 1 of Schedule 8— (i) paragraphs 1, 5, 11 and 12; and (ii) paragraphs 6 to 10 and 14 (so far as not brought into force by subsection (4)); (h) in Part 2 of that Schedule, paragraphs 16 to 18; and (i) in Schedule 9, the entries relating to— (i) the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 (c. 33); and (ii) section 325(1) of, and Schedule 27 to, the 1996 Act. (7) Different days may be appointed for different provisions and for different purposes. (8) An order under this section— (a) must be made by statutory instrument; and (b) may contain incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional provisions and savings. (9) Subsection (10) applies to an order bringing any provision made by— (a) section 28, or (b) paragraph 2 or 6 of Schedule 5, into force. (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— (a) on a date so specified; or (b) on the making by the Secretary of State of an order made by statutory instrument bringing the period to an end. (11) Amendments made by this Act to the 1996 Act have the same extent as that Act. (12) Parts 2 and 3 do not extend to Northern Ireland. (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.

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SCHEDULE 1 AMENDMENT TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Section 10. Part 1 PROCEDURE FOR MAKING AMENDMENT TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS 1 Schedule 27 to the 1996 Act (making and maintenance of statement of special educational needs) is amended as follows. 2 For paragraph 1 substitute— 1 In this Schedule— “amendment notice” has the meaning given in paragraph 2A, “statement” means a statement under section 324, “periodic review” means a review conducted in accordance with section 328(5)(b), and “re-assessment review” means a review conducted in accordance with section 328(5)(a). 3 For paragraph 2 substitute— 2 (1) Before making a statement, a local education authority shall serve on the parent of the child concerned a copy of the proposed statement. (2) But that is subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4). (3) The copy of the proposed statement shall not specify any prescribed matter. (4) The copy of the proposed statement shall not specify any matter in pursuance of section 324(4). Amendments to a statement 2A (1) A local education authority shall not amend a statement except— (a) in compliance with an order of the Tribunal, (b) as directed by the Secretary of State under section 442(4), or (c) in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Schedule. (2) If, following a re-assessment review, a local education authority propose to amend a statement, they shall serve on the parent of the child concerned a copy of the proposed amended statement. (3) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) of paragraph 2 apply to a copy of a proposed amended statement served under sub-paragraph (2) as they apply to a copy of a proposed statement served under paragraph 2(1). (4) If, following a periodic review, a local education authority propose to amend a statement, they shall serve on the parent of the child concerned— (a) a copy of the existing statement, and (b) an amendment notice. (5) If, at any other time, a local education authority propose to amend a statement, they shall proceed as if the proposed amendment were an amendment proposed after a periodic review. (6) An amendment notice is a notice in writing giving details of the amendments to the statement proposed by the authority. Provision of additional information 2B (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies when a local education authority serve on a parent— (a) a copy of a proposed statement under paragraph 2, (b) a copy of a proposed amended statement under paragraph 2A, or (c) an amendment notice under paragraph 2A. (2) The local education authority shall also serve on the parent a written notice explaining (to the extent that they are applicable)— (a) the arrangements under paragraph 3, (b) the effect of paragraph 4, and (c) the right to appeal under section 326. (3) A notice under sub-paragraph (2) must contain such other information as may be prescribed. 4 In paragraph 3, in sub-paragraph (1), for the words from “a parent” to “paragraph 2” substitute a parent— (a) on whom a copy of a proposed statement has been served under paragraph 2, (b) on whom a copy of a proposed amended statement has been served under paragraph 2A, or (c) on whom an amendment notice has been served under paragraph 2A which contains a proposed amendment about — (i) the type or name of a school or institution, or (ii) the provision made for the child concerned under arrangements made under section 319, to be specified in the statement, . 5 In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), for “paragraph 2(b)” substitute “ paragraph 2B ”. 6 In that paragraph omit sub-paragraph (4). 7 After that paragraph, insert— Consultation on specifying name of school in statement 3A (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if a local education authority are considering— (a) specifying the name of a maintained school in a statement, or (b) amending a statement— (i) if no school was specified in the statement before the amendment, so that a maintained school will be specified in it, (ii) if a school was specified in the statement before the amendment, so that a different school, which is a maintained school, will be specified in it. (2) The local education authority shall— (a) serve a copy of the proposed statement or amended statement, or of the existing statement and of the amendment notice, on each affected body, and (b) consult each affected body. (3) “Affected body” means— (a) the governing body of any school which the local education authority are considering specifying; and (b) if a school which the local education authority are considering specifying is maintained by another local education authority, that authority. 8 In paragraph 4, in sub-paragraph (1)— (a) after “paragraph 2” insert “ , or on whom a proposed amended statement or an amendment notice has been served under paragraph 2A, ”; (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 ”. 9 In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), after “sub-paragraph (1)(b)” insert in relation to— (c) a proposed statement, or (d) an amendment proposed following a re-assessment review, . 10 In that paragraph, in sub-paragraphs (4)(a) and (5), for “paragraph 2(b)” substitute “ paragraph 2B ”. 11 In paragraph 5, in sub-paragraph (1), after “make” insert “ or amend ”. 12 In that paragraph, in sub-paragraph (2), for “The statement” substitute “ If a local education authority make a statement, it ”. 13 After that sub-paragraph insert— (2A) If a local education authority amend a statement following service of a proposed amended statement under paragraph 2A, the amended statement made may be in the form proposed or in a form modified in the light of the representations. (2B) If a local education authority amend a statement following service of an amendment notice, the amendments may be those proposed in the notice or amendments modified in the light of the representations. 14 For paragraph 6, substitute— 6 (1) Where a local education authority make or amend a statement they shall serve a copy of the statement, or the amended statement, on the parent of the child concerned. (2) They shall, at the same time, give the parent written notice of his right to appeal under section 326(1) against— (a) the description in the statement of the authority’s assessment of the child’s special educational needs, (b) the special educational provision specified in the statement (including the name of a school specified in the statement), or (c) if no school is named in the statement, that fact. (3) A notice under sub-paragraph (2) must contain such other information as may be prescribed. 15 In paragraph 8(1)(b)— (e) in sub-paragraph (ii), after “statement” insert “ or amended statement ”; and (f) omit sub-paragraph (iii). 16 In paragraph 9— (g) in sub-paragraph (1), omit “amend or” and “10 or”; and (h) in sub-paragraph (2)— (i) after paragraph (a), insert “ or ”, (ii) omit paragraph (b), the word “or” after paragraph (c) and paragraph (d). 17 Omit paragraph 10. Part 2 APPEALS AGAINST AMENDMENTS TO STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS 18 Section 326 of the 1996 Act is amended as follows. 19 For subsection (1) substitute— (1) The parent of a child for whom a local education authority maintain a statement under section 324 may appeal to the Tribunal— (a) when the statement is first made, (b) if an amendment is made to the statement, or (c) if, after conducting an assessment under section 323, the local education authority determine not to amend the statement. (1A) An appeal under this section may be against any of the following— (a) the description in the statement of the local education authority’s assessment of the child’s special educational needs, (b) the special educational provision specified in the statement (including the name of a school so specified), (c) if no school is specified in the statement, that fact. 20 In subsection (2), for “paragraph 10” substitute “ paragraph 2A ”.

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SCHEDULE 2 RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR SCHOOLS

Section 11(2) ...

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SCHEDULE 3 AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE 1995 ACT

Sections 19(2) and 30(2). ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SCHEDULE 4 RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Section 26(2). ...

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SCHEDULE 5 MODIFICATIONS OF CHAPTER 2 OF PART 4 OF THE 1995 ACT

Section 29. ...

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SCHEDULE 6 AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 4 TO THE 1995 ACT

Section 31(2). ...

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SCHEDULE 8 MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS

Section 42(1). Part 1 THE 1996 ACT 1 The 1996 Act is amended as follows. The re-naming of the Tribunal 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 In section 333, for subsection (1) substitute— (1) The Tribunal shall exercise the jurisdiction conferred on it by this Part. 4 In paragraph 118(3) of Schedule 37, omit paragraph (d). Annual reports 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contents and service of notices 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,”. (2) After subsection (2) of that section insert— (2A) A notice under subsection (1) must inform the parent of the right of appeal under subsection (2) and contain such other information as may be prescribed. (2B) Regulations may provide that where a local education authority are under a duty under this section to serve any notice, the duty must be performed within the prescribed period. 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 ”. (2) After subsection (3) of that section insert— (3A) A notice under subsection (3)(a) must inform the parent of the right of appeal under subsection (3)(b) and contain such other information as may be prescribed. (3B) Regulations may provide that where a local education authority are under a duty under this section to serve any notice, the duty must be performed within the prescribed period. 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 ”. (2) After subsection (2) of that section insert— (2A) A notice under subsection (2)(a) must inform the parent of the right of appeal under subsection (2)(b) and contain such other information as may be prescribed. 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 ”. (2) After sub-paragraph (3) of that paragraph insert— (3A) A notice under sub-paragraph (3)(a) must inform the parent of the right of appeal under sub-paragraph (3)(b) and contain such other information as may be prescribed. 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 ”. (2) After sub-paragraph (2) of that paragraph insert— (2A) A notice under sub-paragraph (2)(a) must inform the parent of the right of appeal under sub-paragraph (2)(b) and contain such other information as may be prescribed. Proposals to make an assessment 11 (1) In section 323(1)(a) (assessment of special educational needs), for “propose” substitute “ are considering whether ”. (2) In paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 26 (making of assessments under section 323), for “propose” substitute “ are considering whether ”. Statements: suitable arrangements made by parents 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure regulations 13 (1) Section 336 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)— (a) omit paragraph (d); and (b) in paragraph (g), for “discovery” substitute “ disclosure ”. (3) After subsection (2), insert— (2A) Proceeding before the Tribunal shall be held in private, except in prescribed circumstances. (4) In subsection (4), for “that Act” substitute “ that Part ”. (5) After that subsection, insert— (4A) The regulations may make provision for an appeal under this Part to be heard, in prescribed circumstances, with a claim under Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Time limits with respect to assessments 14 (1) Paragraph 3 of Schedule 26 (manner and timing of assessments under section 323) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraph (2), for “paragraph 10” substitute “ paragraph 2A ”. (3) For sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) substitute— (3) Regulations may provide— (a) that where a local education authority are under a duty under section 323, 329 or 329A to serve any notice, the duty must be performed within the prescribed period, (b) that where a local education authority have served a notice under section 323(1) or 329A(3) on a child’s parent, they must decide within the prescribed period whether or not to make an assessment of the child’s educational needs, (c) that where a request has been made to a local education authority under section 329(1), they must decide within the prescribed period whether or not to comply with the request, and (d) that where a local education authority are under a duty to make an assessment, the duty must be performed within the prescribed period. (4) Provision made under sub-paragraph (3)— (a) may be subject to prescribed exceptions, and (b) does not relieve the authority of the duty to serve a notice, or make a decision or assessment, which has not been served or made within the prescribed period. School attendance orders: amendment of statement of special educational needs 15 (1) Section 441 (amendment of statement on service of school attendance order) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (3)(a), omit “in accordance with paragraph 10 of Schedule 27”. (3) After that subsection, insert— (3A) An amendment to a statement required to be made under subsection (3)(a) shall be treated for the purposes of Schedule 27 as if it were an amendment proposed following a periodic review (within the meaning of that Schedule). Part 2 OTHER ENACTMENTS The Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 (c. 33) 16 Section 5 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 is amended as follows. 17 In subsection (1) (requirement to obtain opinion of local authority officer as to whether child is a disabled person)— (a) in paragraph (a), omit “under the age of 14”; and (b) in paragraph (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 (ii) in sub-paragraph (ii), for “that birthday” substitute “ they have carried out the review prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (i) ”. 18 In subsection (9) (interpretation), after the definition of “establishment of higher or further education” insert— “prescribed” means prescribed in regulations made— (a) in relation to England, by the Secretary of State; and (b) in relation to Wales, by the National Assembly for Wales; . The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (c. 53) 19 The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 is amended as follows. 20 In section 11(1) (appeals from certain tribunals)— (a) for “15(a), (d) or (e)” substitute “ 15(a) or (d) ”; and (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 In paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 (bodies subject to the supervision of the Council) omit sub-paragraph (e). 22 After paragraph 40A of that Schedule, insert— Special educational needs and disability discrimination. | 40B. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31) 23 (1) The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 is amended as follows. (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) In paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (duty of adjudicators to have regard to anti-discrimination duties of other bodies)— (a) omit “or”, at the end of sub-paragraph (a); and (b) after sub-paragraph (b), insert or (c) Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, . (4) In Schedule 30 (minor and consequential amendments), omit paragraph 186(2)(b).

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SCHEDULE 9 REPEALS

Section 42(6). Short title and chapter | Extent of repeal The Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 (c. 33) | In section 5(1)(a), the words “under the age of 14”. The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13) | In section 65, subsections (4A) and (4B). The Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 (c. 37) | In section 40, subsections (5) and (6). The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (c. 53) | In Schedule 1, paragraph 15(e). The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50) | Section 19(5)(a) to (ab) and (6). Section 29. Section 30(6). Section 31(3). In section 53A(8), the words after first “proceedings”. The Education Act 1996 (c. 56) | In section 325(1), the words “, and of the effect of subsection (2) below,”. In section 336(2), paragraph (d). In section 441(3)(a), the words “in accordance with paragraph 10 of Schedule 27”. Section 528. In Schedule 27, paragraph 3(4), paragraph 8(1)(b)(iii), in paragraph 9(1), the words “amend, or” and “10 or”, and paragraph 10. In Schedule 37, paragraphs 118(3)(d) and 129. The Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (c. 30) | Section 38. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31) | In paragraph 8 of Schedule 4, the word “or” after sub-paragraph (a). In paragraph 6 of Schedule 5, the word “or” after sub-paragraph (a). In Schedule 30, paragraph 186(2)(b). The Disability Rights Commission Act 1999 (c. 17) | In section 6(5), the words “of a court or tribunal”. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21) | In section 6, subsections (4) and (6). In section 35, subsections (4) and (6). In Schedule 9, paragraph 49.

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