Additional Support for Learning Act

Resolving concerns

Building a strong relationship with those who work with your son or daughter will make it easier to solve disagreements informally. If you have any concerns you should make your views known as soon as possible. You may wish to discuss your concerns with a member of staff at school, a teacher or additional support needs staff. If you are still concerned you should make your views known to the education authority before considering more formal routes. In relation to additional support needs the formal routes are:

Independent mediation 

Resolve your differences with help from a mediator acting as an impartial third party. The two parties voluntarily consider the issue and reach an agreement on the way forward. Parents can refer a matter to mediation.

Dispute resolution 

An independent person will consider the issues which have been raised relating to additional support needs and provide recommendations to the education authority on the best way forward.   

Both of these services will be provided free of charge.

Every education authority also has a standard complaints procedure, which you may wish to use.

The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland will consider specific matters related to co-ordinated support plans. Tribunals will be held as close as possible to the child’s or young person’s home and will be family friendly.