Education Act 1996 

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The Education Act 1996 is the Law with regards to Education.  The Act covers the roles and responsibilities of all aspects of education from the duties of the Secretary of State through to those of parents.  The Act covers every phase of education from early years to further education.

What does the Act mean for Disabled People?

The Education Act includes sections relating to Disabled People, and these adapt and supplement conditions previously published in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  e.g. Section 528 of the Education Act 1996 (previously section 30(8) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) requires local education authorities to publish "disability statements" at defined intervals.  A disability statement is a statement containing information about facilities provided by a Local Education Authority to assist Disabled Persons.

Part IV of the Education Act is concerned specifically with "Special Educational Needs".

The Education Act 1996 imposes duties on schools and local authorities to identify, assess and meet children's special educational needs. The aim being, that wherever possible, those needs will be met within a mainstream school.

The legislation also places a duty on local authorities and health authorities to assist a local authority where any child has special educational needs.

Part IV of the Education Act 1996 has now been revised and is now an Act on its own, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

Click here to view the Education Act 1996