Children and Families Act 2014

The Children and Families Act 2014 received Royal Assent on the 13 March 2014 which is the final step required for a parliamentary bill to become law. Visit Children and Families Act for more information.

The seven key principles within the SEND Act are outlined below:

  • the involvement of children, young people and parents/carers at the heart of the legislation
  • a more co-ordinated assessment process - new 0 to 25 Education, Health and Care Plan
  • Education, Health and Care services to commission services jointly regarding SEN and disability (SEND)
  • local authorities to publish a clear, transparent Local Offer of services
  • new statutory protections for young people aged 16 to 25 years - stronger focus on preparing for adulthood
  • offer of a personal budget for families and young people with a plan extending choice and control over their support
  • all SEND duties to apply equally to all schools including academies and free schools.

The Department for Education (DfE) produced The young person's guide to the Children and Families Bill (PDF, 3 MB, 39 pages)  to help explain the Act and its purpose.

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