This Order provides for the coming into force in Wales on 21st January 2002 of certain provisions of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 to allow regulations relating to special educational needs (SEN) to be made in advance of the commencement of the balance of the provisions of the Act relating to SEN.

It also provides for the coming into force in Wales on 1st April 2002 of the other provisions in the Act relating to SEN, including provisions relating to the education of children with SEN in mainstream schools, the provision of advice and information to parents of children with SEN, and arrangements for the resolution of disputes about SEN related issues, the identification and assessment of special educational needs and amending statements of SEN.