Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland

The new independent tribunal service for appeals about the support needs of children and young people who face the biggest barriers to learning.

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 means some important changes which affect children and young people in Scotland.

Children who face barriers to learning and need additional support to make progress are said to have additional support needs These can be short or long term. For instance, additional support may be needed for a child or young person who:
* is being bullied;
* has behavioural or learning difficulties;
* has a hearing or visual impairment;
* is particularly gifted;
* is bereaved; or
* does not attend school regularly.

Some children facing the biggest barriers to learning may get a co-ordinated support plan setting out their needs.

Another important change is a new tribunal service. This will hear cases brought by parents and young people about the additional support being offered to those who face the biggest barriers to learning.

The Tribunals will be made up of a convener who will be a lawyer, and two members who have plenty of skill and experience in additional support needs.

The Tribunals aim to:
* make sound, independent and expert judgements;
* be user-friendly, informal and flexible in the way they do things, and make it easy for people to use the service;
* discourage formal, legal encounters between parents and education authorities by providing a forum for constructive discussion; and
* make decisions that reflect best practice in additional support needs.

If you would like to receive a copy of their Guide for Parents or would like more information, here are the contact details:

Write to:
Lesley Thomson
Deputy Secretary
The Additional Support Needs
Tribunals for Scotland
Europa Building
450 Argyle Street
Glasgow
G2 8LG

Email: inquiries@asntscotland.gov.uk

They have a website at:
www.asntscotland.gov.uk

There is also a HELPLINE: 0845 120 2906