ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the history of special educational needs legislation and practice, in order to examine changing perspectives and attitudes left as a legacy from the past. Significant Education Acts and selected government initiatives that impacted on special educational needs policy are briefly described, especially those leading to the SEND Code of Practice (2015) (DfE/DoH). The radical changes proposed in the Rochford Review on assessment for pupils with SEND working below the standard of National Curriculum tests are discussed, and the potential value of the Engagement Scale is considered. The development of the SENCo’s role is described.
