A SENCO's Guide to The Code of Practice

A SENCO's Guide to the SEND Code of Practice is an essential, plain-English handbook for SENCOs, Inclusion Leads, school leaders, and SEND professionals working across early years, schools, and post-16 settings in England.

The SEND Code of Practice is statutory guidance — but it is often dense, overwhelming, and difficult to translate into day-to-day practice. This book breaks the Code down line by line, explaining what the law actually requires, what Ofsted and local authorities expect to see, and how to evidence compliance confidently in real educational settings.

Written by an experienced SEN professional, this guide bridges the gap between legislation and lived reality. It explains the difference between "must" and "should" duties, clarifies SENCO responsibilities versus whole-school responsibilities, and provides practical guidance on identification, graduated response, SEN Support, EHCP processes, outcomes, provision mapping, annual reviews, reasonable adjustments, and inclusive practice.

Rather than simply repeating the Code, this book interprets it — highlighting common misunderstandings, frequent local authority errors, and the areas most often scrutinised during Ofsted inspections and tribunals. It supports SENCOs to protect themselves legally, advocate effectively for pupils and families, and build systems that are robust, defensible, and genuinely child-centred.

Whether you are a newly appointed SENCO, an experienced professional seeking clarity, or a school leader wanting confidence that your SEND provision is legally compliant, this book provides the reassurance, structure, and practical insight you need to do the role well — without burnout.

This is not theory.
It is the Code of Practice, explained for real schools, real children, and real SENCOs.