The advice given to local educational authorities /lea´s/ and schools by the department for education and skills /dfes/ about provision for children´s special educational needs under part IV of the educational act 1996. the latest version of the code became effective from 1st January 2002. All those involved in education, health and social services must have regard to it. The code is designed to help agencies to make effective provision and contains various safeguards to ensure best practice in general but does not prescribe what authorities must do in individual cases.