The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on reform to the SEN system – Click Here
The proposed legislative reforms are similar to those proposed for England following the consultation last year Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability (click here for the latest on that).
The Welsh Government also proposes new legislation that will
- give a statutory footing to the concept of additional needs (AN);
- replace SEN statements with new integrated Individual Development Plans (IDP) for children and young people;
- replace the framework for the assessment and planning of provision for children and young people with SEN with a simpler more person-centred system;
- set out how integrated plans will cover those aged 0–25 years who fall within different categories of need;
- set out the duties to be imposed on relevant bodies (such as local authorities and the NHS);
- set out the resolution process for any disputes;
- impose a duty on the Welsh Ministers to issue a code of practice in relation to the new statutory framework for AN; and
- impose a duty on relevant bodies to collaborate in respect of AN provision.
Responses to the consultation are invited by 19 October 2012.