The Special Educational Needs and Disability (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

Amendment of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Detained Persons) Regulations 2015

20.  After regulation 2 (interpretation) insert—

“Relaxation of time periods due to coronavirus exception

2A.— (1) Where the coronavirus exception applies, any requirement in any of the regulations specified in paragraph (3) for action to be taken within a specified period of time or by a certain day is to be read instead as a requirement for such action to be taken as soon as reasonably practicable.

(2) The coronavirus exception applies where it is not reasonably practicable for a person to meet a requirement referred to in paragraph (1) for a reason relating to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus.

(3) The following regulations are specified for the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2)—

(a) regulation 15(1) and (4) (needs assessments which are not completed);

(b) regulation 16(2), (3) and (4) (transfer of a kept EHC plan);

(c) regulation 17(1) and (2) (restriction on disclosure of EHC plans);

(d) regulation 19 (requirement to consider mediation);

(e) regulation 20(1) and (2) (where the appropriate person does not wish to or fails to pursue mediation);

(f) regulation 21 (mediation);

(g) regulation 24(1) and (3) (mediation certificate under section 55(5) of the Act);

(h) regulation 27(3) (steps to be taken by a home authority);

(i) regulation 29(2) and (6) (compliance with the orders of the First-tier Tribunal); and

(j) regulation 30(3) and (6) (unopposed appeals).”.