The code of practice sets out five recommended stages for addressing the different levels of a pupil's needs. Stage four involves the local education authority considering the need for, and if appropriate making, a full assessment of the child's needs. The fifth stage involves a process known as ''statementing'' children, whereby the local education authority assesses and records a child's special needs. A state school named in the resulting statement is required to admit the child. Parents have a right to appeal to a Special Educational Needs Tribunal if they disagree with the statement.
Special education needs provision in Wales is currently under review.
Government policy is to integrate more pupils with special needs into mainstream classes, but there has been criticism of the current system, in particular about the lack of a unified approach throughout Wales. The number of children with statements of special needs has grown recently at a time when resources have been squeezed. A new Welsh Advisory Group on Special Education Needs was set up in July 1998, its members coming from a variety of SEN-related backgrounds and organisations in Wales. Some independent schools provide education wholly or mainly for children with special educational needs, and are required to meet similar standards to those for maintained special schools. It is intended that pupils should have access to as much of the National Curriculum as possible.