Almost a fifth of children in Britain are
identified as having special educational
needs (SEN). It is estimated that around
7 per cent of children are disabled and
a significant number of children have
both SEN and a disability1.
Most children with SEN and disabilities
are educated in mainstream schools.
Around one per cent of the total school
population is educated in special
schools.
The Government wants to ensure that
every child with SEN and disabilities
gets an education that allows them
to achieve their full potential. Where
a child has SEN, a school’s statutory
duties include doing its best to ensure
that the necessary provision is made
for them and that they join in school
activities with other pupils as much
as possible.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act
1995 (as amended by the Disability
Discrimination Act 2005) (DDA), every
local authority and school must:
• not discriminate against disabled
pupils – they must not treat them ‘less
favourably’ and must actively make
‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that
they are not at a substantial
disadvantage