Rulebook · What a plan is checked against

Plans should be clear, concise, understandable and accessible, describe positively what the child or young person can do, and be forward looking. Outcomes should be SMART. Plans should have a review date. Reviews should consider whether the plan is still appropriate and whether changes are needed.

Type of rule

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

Checks that look for it

• Outcome date has already passed
• Content may be out of date
• Provision not linked to a need

Rule id

req.plan.principles

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.61Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.167Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.66Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)

All requirements