Education Acts 1921, 1944, 1970, 1981, 1988, 2002

The first Education Act (1921) defined five categories of disability in children, who might then be placed in residential homes. The 1944 amended Education Act defined 11 categories of disability and special educational needs, for placement in institutions or hospitals. The 1970 amendment included children who had more severe mental disabilities. The 1981 Education Act changed the concept of special needs, giving parents more power and requiring teachers to monitor and assess children’s special needs. The Education Reform Act 1988 introduced the National Curriculum and gave more power to schools.

The Education Act 2005 simplifies the process of school improvement, strengthening the accountability framework for schools, in particular by amending the approach used when inspecting schools.

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 also introduces the new specialised diplomas for 14-19 education and revises the law on school discipline and parenting contracts.