Overview

The Special Educational Needs (Information) Act 2008 amended the Education Act 1996 to improve the collection and publication of information about children with special educational needs (SEN) in England. The aim was to use this information to better support these children's well-being.

Description

This Act mandates the Secretary of State to collect information relating to children with special educational needs. This information will cover various aspects of their well-being including physical and mental health, emotional well-being, protection from harm, education, training, recreation, contribution to society and social and economic well-being. The information collected must be used to improve the well-being of children with SEN. The Secretary of State is also required to publish this information annually, ensuring that the identities of individual children are protected. A charge may be made for supplying this information, but it will not exceed the cost of providing it. The Act defines "child" as anyone under 19, regardless of school enrollment, and specifies the types of information relevant to SEN. The Act applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The Act doesn't specify a direct cost or budget. The government spending implications are indirect, related to the costs of collecting and publishing the data, and potentially, to improved services resulting from better-informed policy decisions based on the collected data. No specific figures are provided in the Act itself.

Groups Affected

• Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN): The Act aims to improve their well-being through better data-driven policy and service provision.
• Parents of children with SEN: They may indirectly benefit from improved services and support as a result of the information collected.
• Educational professionals: Teachers, support staff, and educational administrators may benefit from access to this data to better support students with SEN.
• Government agencies: The Department for Education and other relevant government bodies will use the information to inform policy and resource allocation.

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