An SEN adviser with National Strategies explains the three main duties required by schools to meet the disability equality laws.
Senior SEN adviser, Andy Beckett, explains what the equality laws mean in practice and how schools have an obligation to ensure all pupils have the same educational opportunities and the same chance to participate in school life.
Firstly, they must not discriminate against any child. Secondly, they are required to make reasonable adjustments to the school so that the curriculum is accessible by all. Lastly, they need to provide plans to show how they intend to improve accessibility even if they do not have any pupils with a disability.
Andy urges schools to draw up their policies and plans in conjunction with disabled pupils and groups within the community.
