This information is intended to provide the background context of structure and control, within which the curriculum and assessment frameworks are implemented.
See section 2.1.1 of the mainstream Wales Archive.
See section 2.1.2 of the mainstream Wales Archive.
See section 2.1.3 of the mainstream Wales Archive.
Types of provision
Pre-compulsory education
Prior to the School Standards and Framework Act 19986, local authorities (LAs) and school governing bodies made nursery provision available for children aged between 2 and 5 if they wished. LAs did not have a statutory obligation to ensure this provision, although they did have a duty to secure appropriate provision for children aged between 2 and 5 who were identified as having special educational needs (SEN).28
The School Standards and Framework Act 19986 has since imposed a statutory duty on LAs to ensure provision for all 3- and 4-year-olds whose parents request it, including provision for children with SEN. This provision is assured in plans set out by Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships. Guidance has been issued to these partnerships on the preparation of childcare plans, which should cover the development of education services for early education and 3- to 4-year-olds, and the development of good quality, affordable and accessible childcare for children aged 0-14, including children with SEN, in every neighbourhood. The plans also include details of the information and advice available to parents about childcare and early education, including that for children with SEN, and the availability of family support services.28
General education in school
In Wales, the Education Act 199611 and the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 20012 place emphasis on educating children with SEN alongside their peers in ordinary mainstream schools, where possible. Local authorities (LAs) have responsibility for the education of children and young people with special needs between the ages of 2 and 19 years and must publish their strategy for meeting these needs.47 LAs are required to take into account the wishes of the student and parents in their choice of a particular school, whether mainstream or special. The decision regarding the type of provision to be made, whatever the type of school chosen, is made with reference to the individual student's needs, the needs of his or her peers and the efficient use of existing resources. Some children need more help than a mainstream school can provide without additional staff or equipment or adaptation to school buildings. Provision for these children may take various forms:
Further details of the types of provision available for students with special needs are provided in section 3.2.5.
Size of provision
In January 2000, 3.3 per cent of all children in Wales had a statement of special educational needs. (This percentage varies between local authorities - from 1.3 to 5.3 per cent.)36 It should, however, be noted that not all students with a special need will have a statement of special educational needs - see section 1.2.1 Code of Practice).
Funding and control
See section 2.1.2 of the mainstream Wales Archive in addition.
Local authorities (LAs) in Wales have a duty to ensure that appropriate provision is available for the education of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) from the age of 2 to 19 years, who are educated in school.28
The National Assembly for Wales (NAfW) makes some funding available to meet the needs of students with special needs under the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) Programme. The National Assembly has increased provision under this programme for SEN priorities. In addition, the Capital Funding for Schools programme provides resources for capital projects that can benefit students with SEN. 47