Knowledge of the SEN code of practice

[lovelyjubilly]

I need to demonstrate this on a job application. Aside from the fact that it is now the 'SEND' code of practice, what else might I specifically need to know about? I have downloaded the document but I don't fancy reading all 292 pages! Any pointers would be very welcome!

Go look on somewhere like ipsea for their FAQs about it - will be aimed at parents of children with SEN more but will give you the bare bones... but to be honest, hell I've sat and read through it to make sure I know what ground I'm standing on as a parent (and to update myself in case I ever manage to make it back into teaching) - I'd blooming well expect anyone school-based to know it at a level enough to work with it.

Make sure you know which chapter relates to the stage of your job ie chpt 5 is EY, 6 is schools and 7 is FE also Look through chapter 9 .

Have a look at this . Like GrimSquaker and many other parents, I have sat and read the whole thing too along with Part 3 of the childern and families Act.
If you really want to know it, you have to sit down and read it all. Look at it as the law being the framework, www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/part/3/enacted , the send regulations as the instructions www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/pdfs/uksi_20141530_en.pdf and the code as the guide on how to implement the instructions. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398815/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf

For me the key things would be:
when it started
what EHCPs are
types of need
age range covered by the code
involvement of pupils and parents
personal budgets
assess-plan-do-review cycle

The Council for Disabled Children used to have some useful guides on their website too.

As for 'knowledge' it depends whether the role you are applying for is a teacher role or SEN leadership role.

Thanks so much! I feel like I know where to start now :)

Also familiarise yourself with the LA local offer and the school's own SEND offer ( both can be found online.)

I think if you want a job that requires knowledge of it, you should read it.

SOS SEN do some good user-friendly books on the assessment process and EHCPs. sossen.org.uk/news.php

If you’re becoming a senco or are going for a job involving children with Sen please read it. I have two children with Sen and I think our senco probably only knows the key phrases. It’s important to understand it.

I think Nasen has some good overviews of the code. I remember ploughing through the whole thing before my interview but it only began to make sense once I was in the job.

If the job entails knowing about SEN, for goodness sake make sure you treat any training offered by the local authority with caution. It's frightening sometimes to hear the misinformation about the law by teachers and Sencos who have, not unreasonably, accepted what LAs tell them.