Parents, children and young people and education officers will often be unfamiliar with the tribunal process and may want someone to represent them. This could be a family member, friend, someone from a representative organisation or someone with a legal qualification. If a party decides to have a representative this should be confirmed in writing. Where there is a representative all communications from the Additional Support Needs Tribunal will only be sent to that named representative.
Any party (the person raising the action and the person defending the action) can choose to have a representative. A child or young person under 18 years who is not a party has a right to have a representative under Article 12.2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Let’s Talk ASN Scotland is a free service for parents of children with additional support needs who may require support in relation to a dispute with an education authority. The service also covers young people (aged 16 years or above and still attending school) with additional support needs. The service can be used by a parent or young person who wishes to make a reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal. It does not apply to claims under the Equality Act 2010. You can contact Let’s Talk ASN here:
Let’s Talk ASN Scotland, c/o Govan Law Centre, 18-20 Orkney Street, Glasgow, G51 2BZ
0141 445 1955
My Rights, My Say is a free support service for children aged between 12 and 15 years.
They provide:
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advice and information about a child’s rights
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advocacy to support a child to have their voice heard when talking to their school
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independent support to make sure the child’s views are heard in formal processes (such as assessments)
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support to enhance professional practice in listening to children’s views
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legal representation to support a child making a reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
My Rights, My Say is a partnership between Enquire, Children in Scotland, Cairn Legal and Partners in Advocacy. You can contact My Rights, My Say here:
0345 123 2303
Reach, is an online resource which helps pupils understand their rights to be supported, included, listened to and involved in decisions at school, has created 3 new animations to help pupils feel more confident about speaking up. They are called:
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It’s not easy to talk
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Help to make your voice heard at school
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Your rights, your say
To view the films visit Reach at www.reach.scot
