In respect of Special Educational Needs (SEN), the LEA has a responsibility to:

- plan its overall special educational provision and review it periodically
- assess those pupils whose special needs may require a Statement of SEN
- ensure that the provision specified in the Statement of SEN has been made available
- initiate annual reviews of every Statement of SEN
- monitor the performance of its maintained schools and Support Services
- identify, assess and, when appropriate, make provision for all pre-school children who may have special educational needs.

The LEA also has a duty to consult with schools, Health and Social Services and voluntary organisations over its SEN Policy, which it must publish and keep under review.