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SEND

SEND: a guide for governing boards

Learn about responsibilities relating to pupils with SEND and increase your knowledge of SEND provision in your organisation.

Guidance
06/07/2021
Pupils-learning in class

The legal responsibilities of governing boards in relation to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set out in legislation and the statutory guidance, the SEND code of practice.

SEND is a whole board responsibility and so every member of the governing board should know what their legal duties are. In order to fulfil their duties and provide strategic leadership, governors and trustees need to understand SEND and inclusion in the specific context of their school or trust.

For every decision made by the board, consideration should be given to how that decision will impact pupils with SEND – what works well for pupils with SEND is often effective for all pupils.

Use our guide to learn about your responsibilities relating to pupils with SEND. The guide explains how to increase your knowledge of SEND provision in your organisation and how collaborative working contributes to an inclusive culture.

The guide covers:

  • the legal duties of governing boards in relation to SEND
  • how these responsibilities are met
  • understanding SEND provision in your school or trust
  • how governing boards can influence an inclusive culture
  • monitoring the impact of SEND provision

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