About this guidance

This is statutory guidance on the practical operation of the statutory framework for inclusion of children with special educational needs into mainstream schools.

Expiry/review date

Under review.

What legislation does this guidance relate to?

  • The Education Act 1996 as amended by The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. The statutory framework for inclusion.

Who is this guidance for?

Maintained schools and local authorities in England must have regard to this guidance. Academies in England are also required to have regard to this guidance via their funding agreements with the Secretary of State.

Key points

The advice given in this guidance covers:

  • how the statutory framework for inclusion and provisions within the Education Act 1996 apply to children; and
  • examples of the sort of steps maintained schools should consider taking to ensure that a child’s inclusion is not incompatible with the efficient education of other children.