There is local and national legislation relevant to families who have a child with additional needs.

Local legislation

Local legislation includes:

• Children and Young People's Plan - our Strategic Plan, covering the key priorities for improving the lives of children and young people in the Wokingham Borough
• Aiming High Strategic Plan - our plan to transform short break services for disabled children

National legislation

There are 3 main Acts relating to the care and support of children with additional needs:

• Every Disabled Child Matters: Change for Children - aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people, including disabled children
• Disability and the Equality Act 2010 - provides legal rights for disabled children, young people and adults in order to prevent discrimination
• Children Act 1989 - sets out how all Local Authorities should provide services and support for children, young people and families, including disabled children

Other legislation

There are several other Acts and Policies that may be of interest:

• Carer's and Disabled Children's Act 2000
• Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
• Disabled Persons Act 1986
• Education Act 1996
• Removing Barriers to Achievement Strategy
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
• Special Educational Needs Code of Practice
• Valuing People 2001