The Council for Disabled Children has worked with the Department for Education to write two guides for young people who would like to know more about the draft 0 to 25 special educational needs (SEN) Code of Practice and who would like to respond to the Government’s consultation.

One guide is for young people who are 15 years and under and the other guide is for young people who are 16-25 years old. The guides give more information about the key issues discussed in the draft Code of Practice. The issues include:

- What is happening to the changes in special educational needs support

- Involving young people to plan services in local areas

- Involving young people when planning their support

- The move to Education, Health and Care plans and SEN support

- Helping young people to make decisions

- Young people’s right to appeal a decision they feel is unfair

- Where to find information, advice and support

The 16-25 year old guide also includes information about preparing for adulthood.

You can find the guides in the resources section of the Council for Disabled Children's website.

About the draft SEN Code of Practice

The Code of Practice is a guide to tell local authorities what they need to do to work within the law and provide support for students with Special Educational Needs. The Government would like young people to tell them what they think of the draft Code of Practice by responding to their consultation.

How to respond

If you are a young person and would like to respond to the draft Code of Practice consultation you can find the response form on the Department for Education’s website. There is one form for young people who are 15 years and under and one form for 16-25 years old.

You can also get in touch with EPIC, the Department for Education's young people's advisory group to share your views. They have both a Twitter account and a Facebook page you can post to.