Rulebook · Plan check

Outcome describes support, not a difference

Outcomes describe the benefit or difference provision should make for the child or young person, and should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.

What a point from this check says, with placeholders in square brackets:

This reads as support to be provided, not an outcome. An outcome is the benefit or difference the support should make for the child or young person.

Where it looks

• Section E: Outcomes

How it is reported

Code says shouldThe SEND Code of Practice says "should" here. The bodies it applies to (such as councils, schools, colleges and health bodies) must have regard to it, and the Code says they will be expected to explain any departure from it.

Type of rule

Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)

How Plenda finds it

From the wording of the plan. Found by matching words, so a person should check it.

What would address it

Say what the child or young person will be able to do, and by when. Move the support itself to Section F, G or H.

The requirement

See the requirement and every check that looks for it

Rule id

chk.e.describes_provision

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.66Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.61Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)

Plan checks look at what a plan says and how clearly. They do not judge whether the help is enough for the child.

All plan checks