Reform of the registration and approval of Independent Schools in respect of special education needs

It proposes the removal of section 347 of the Education Act 1996 which concerns the placement of children with SEN statements in independent schools in Wales. This is deemed no longer necessary in light of the existence of section 160 of the Education Act 2002.

Independent schools that admit pupils with statements of SEN must be approved by the Welsh Ministers under section 347 of the Education Act 1996. Any establishment wishing to operate as an independent school must apply to the Welsh Ministers under section 160 of the Education Act.

The Welsh Government is consulting on the proposal to repeal section 347 in view of the existing provisions under section 160 and on proposed measures to be put in place to support this legislative change.

The proposal to reform the current arrangements gives due regard the timely changes being considered under the consultation on the reform of the current SEN legal framework.