Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 Main definitions Additional support needs 1 1 A child or young person has additional support needs for the purposes of this Act where, for whatever reason, the child or young person is, or is likely to be, unable without the provision of additional support to benefit from school education provided or to be provided for the child or young person. 1A Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a child or young person has additional support needs if the child or young person is looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 36)). 1B But where, in the course of identifying (in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1)(b)) the particular additional support needs of a child or young person who is looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 36)), an education authority form the view that the child or young person is, or is likely to be, able without the provision of additional support to benefit from school education provided to or to be provided for the child or young person, subsection (1A) ceases to apply. 2 In subsection (1), the reference to school education includes, in particular, such education directed to the development of the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the child or young person to their fullest potential. 3 In this Act, “ additional support ” means— a in relation to an eligible pre-school child, a child of school age or a young person receiving school education, provision (whether or not educational provision) which is additional to, or otherwise different from, the educational provision made generally for children or, as the case may be, young persons of the same age in schools (other than special schools) under the management of the education authority responsible for the school education of the child or young person, or in the case where there is no such authority, the education authority , b in relation to a child under school age other than an eligible pre-school child, such provision (whether or not educational provision) as is appropriate in the circumstances. Co-ordinated support plans 2 1 For the purposes of this Act, a child or young person requires a plan (referred to in this Act as a “co-ordinated support plan”) for the provision of additional support if— a an education authority are responsible for the school education of the child or young person, b the child or young person has additional support needs arising from— i one or more complex factors, or ii multiple factors, c those needs are likely to continue for more than a year, and d those needs require significant additional support to be provided— i by the education authority in the exercise of any of their other functions as well as in the exercise of their functions relating to education, or ii by one or more appropriate agencies (within the meaning of section 23(2)) as well as by the education authority themselves. 2 For the purposes of subsection (1)— a a factor is a complex factor if it has or is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the school education of the child or young person, b multiple factors are factors which— i are not by themselves complex factors, but ii taken together, have or are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the school education of the child or young person. Children and young persons: capacity 3 1 For the purposes of this Act, a child has capacity— a in relation to an act that may be carried out by the child under a provision of this Act, if the child has sufficient maturity and understanding to carry out the act, b in relation to a decision of the child mentioned in a provision of this Act, if the child has sufficient maturity and understanding— i to make the decision, ii to communicate the decision, iii to understand the decision and its implications for the child, and iv to retain the memory of the decision, c in relation to the provision, under a provision of this Act, of any information, advice or co-ordinated support plan by an education authority to the child, if the child has sufficient maturity and understanding to understand the information, advice or (as the case may be) plan, d in relation to any view of the child mentioned in this Act, if the child has sufficient maturity and understanding to express the view; and any references in this Act to a child who lacks capacity are to be read accordingly. 2 For the purposes of this Act, a young person lacks capacity to do something if the young person does not have sufficient understanding to do it. 3 But a child or young person is not to be treated as lacking capacity by reason only of a lack or deficiency in a faculty of communication if that lack or deficiency can be made good by human, electronic or mechanical aid (whether of an interpretive nature or otherwise). Children: assessment of capacity, etc. 3A 1 Subsection (3) applies where, under a provision of this Act— a a child who has attained the age of 12 years may do something only if an education authority is satisfied that the child has capacity in relation to the thing, b an education authority may or must do something in relation to such a child only if the authority is satisfied that the child has capacity for the thing to be done in relation to the child, c a child may do something in relation to an education authority only if the authority is satisfied that the child does not lack capacity in relation to the thing, or d an education authority may or must do something in relation to a child only if the authority is satisfied that the child does not lack capacity in relation to the thing. 2 Before a child does a thing as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (c), the child must notify the education authority that he or she proposes to do the thing. 3 Before the child or (as the case may be) education authority does the thing, the education authority must— a carry out an assessment of the capacity of the child to do the thing, or have the thing done in relation to the child, and b consider whether it would adversely affect the wellbeing of the child to do the thing or have the thing done in relation to the child. 4 Subsection (5) applies where an education authority, having complied with its duties under subsection (3), is satisfied that— a the child lacks capacity to do the thing or have the thing done in relation to the child, or b it would adversely affect the wellbeing of the child to do the thing or have the thing done in relation to the child. 5 The child or (as the case may be) education authority may not do the thing in question. 6 Where an education authority is notified by a child under subsection (2) that the child proposes to do the thing mentioned in that subsection, the education authority must— a notify the child's parents that the authority intends to— i carry out an assessment of the child's capacity to do the thing, and ii consider whether it would adversely affect the wellbeing of the child to do the thing, and b notify the child and the child's parents of— i the result of the assessment, and ii the authority's determination as to whether it would adversely affect the wellbeing of the child to do the thing. Assessment of wellbeing 3B 1 Subsection (2) applies where, by virtue of this Act, an education authority or the First-tier Tribunal is required to consider whether the wellbeing of a child who has attained the age of 12 years would, or would not, be adversely affected. 2 The authority or, as the case may be, the First-tier Tribunal is to consider the matter by reference to the extent to which the child is or would be— safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible, and included. 3 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations modify the list in subsection (2) so as to amend, remove or add to the matters for the time being mentioned in the list. 4 Before making any regulations under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. Rights of parents of children aged 12 or over 3C 1 Subsection (2) applies where— a a right is conferred under this Act on a child who has attained the age of 12 years, b the right is one that is also exercisable by the parents of the child, c the child— i does not wish to exercise the right, and ii does not wish the child's parents to exercise it, and d the parents of the child do wish to exercise the right. 2 The parents of the child may exercise the right. General powers and duties Duties of education authority in relation to children and young persons for whom they are responsible 4 1 Every education authority must— a in relation to each child and young person having additional support needs for whose school education the authority are responsible, make adequate and efficient provision for such additional support as is required by that child or young person, and b make appropriate arrangements for keeping under consideration— i the additional support needs of, and ii the adequacy of the additional support provided for, each such child and young person. 2 Subsection (1)(a) does not require an education authority to do anything which— a they do not otherwise have power to do, or b would result in unreasonable public expenditure being incurred. General functions of education authority in relation to additional support needs 5 1 Every education authority must in exercising any of their functions in connection with the provision of school education, take account of the additional support needs of children and young persons having such needs. 2 Where a child falling within subsection (3) has been brought to the education authority's attention as appearing to have needs of the type mentioned in subsection (3)(c), the authority must (unless the child's parent does not consent)— a in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1), establish whether the child does have such needs, and b provide such additional support as is appropriate for the child. 3 A child falls within this subsection if the child— a is under school age (unless the child is an eligible pre-school child), b belongs to the authority's area, and c appears to have additional support needs arising from a disability (within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 ) which the child has. 4 An education authority may provide such additional support as is appropriate for children (other than children to whom the education authority have a duty under subsection (2)) and young persons belonging to the area of the authority— a having additional support needs, but b for whose school education the authority are not responsible. Establishment of additional support needs and need for co-ordinated support plan Children and young persons for whom education authority are responsible 6 1 Every education authority must make such arrangements as they consider appropriate for identifying— a from among the children and young persons for whose school education they are responsible— i those who have additional support needs, and ii those having additional support needs who require a co-ordinated support plan, and b the particular additional support needs of the children and young persons so identified. 1A Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), every education authority must in particular consider whether each child or young person falling within section 1(1A) for whose school education they are responsible requires a co-ordinated support plan. 2 Where an education authority receive from a person specified in subsection (3) a request to establish whether any child or young person for whose school education the authority are responsible— a has additional support needs, or b requires a co-ordinated support plan, the authority must, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under subsection (1), comply with the request unless the request is unreasonable. 3 The persons referred to in subsection (2) are— a in the case of a child, the child’s parent, aa in the case of a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity to make the request, the child, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to make the request, the young person’s parent. 4 Where, in pursuance of a request referred to in subsection (2), an education authority establish that a child or young person has additional support needs, the authority must inform— a the person who made the request of that fact , and b where that person is a child falling within subsection (3)(aa), the child's parent of that fact. 5 Subsection (6) applies where a child or young person for whose school education an education authority are responsible comes to the attention of the authority as— a having, or appearing to have, additional support needs, or b having such needs and requiring, or appearing to require, a co-ordinated support plan. 6 Where this subsection applies, the education authority must, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under subsection (1), establish whether the child or young person does have additional support needs or, as the case may be, require a co-ordinated support plan, unless the authority consider it unreasonable to do so. 7 Subsections (2) and (6) are without prejudice to subsection (1). Other children and young persons 7 1 Where an education authority receive a request of a type specified in subsection (2) relating to any child or young person— a belonging to the area of the authority, but b for whose school education an authority are not responsible, an authority may, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1), comply with the request. 2 The types of request referred to in subsection (1) are— a a request from a person specified in subsection (3) to establish whether the child or young person in relation to whom the request is made— i has additional support needs, or ii would, if the education authority were responsible for the school education of the child or young person, require a co-ordinated support plan, b in the case of a child or young person being provided with school education at an independent school or a grant-aided school, a request from the managers of the school to establish whether the child or young person would, if the education authority were responsible for the school education of the child or young person, require such a plan. 3 The persons referred to in subsection (2)(a) are— a in the case of a child, the child’s parent, aa in the case of a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity to make the request, the child, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to make the request, the young person’s parent. 4 Subsection (5) applies where a child or young person— a belonging to the area of an education authority, but b for whose school education an education authority are not responsible, comes to the attention of the authority (otherwise than as a result of a request referred to in subsection (1)) as having, or appearing to have, additional support needs. 5 Where this subsection applies, the education authority may, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1), establish whether the child or young person does have additional support needs. 6 Subsection (7) applies where, in pursuance of this section, an education authority establish that a child or young person— a has additional support needs, or b would, if the education authority were responsible for the school education of the child or young person, require a co-ordinated support plan. 7 Where this subsection applies, the education authority must provide the persons mentioned in subsection (8) with such information and advice as to the additional support required by the child or young person as they consider appropriate. 8 The persons referred to in subsection (7) are— a in the case of a child, the child’s parent, aa in the case of a child falling within subsection (3)(aa) who the authority is satisfied has capacity in relation to the information or advice, the child, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to understand the information or advice, the young person’s parent, c where the authority establish the matter referred to in subsection (6) pursuant to a request made by the managers of an independent school or a grant-aided school, those managers. 9 Subsection (10) applies where an education authority receives a request as mentioned in subsection (1) relating to a child attending an independent or grant-aided school. 10 The authority may request the managers of the school to provide the authority with such information and advice as the authority thinks appropriate for the purpose of enabling the authority to assess the capacity of the child in relation to the request. Assessments and examinations 8 1 Where— a an education authority propose— i in pursuance of any provision of this Act, to establish whether a child or young person has additional support needs or requires, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan, or ii to review under section 10 any such plan prepared for any child or young person, and b the appropriate person makes a request that the education authority arrange for the child or young person to whom the proposal referred to in paragraph (a) relates to undergo, for the purposes of the proposal, a process of assessment or examination (such a request being referred to in this section as an “ assessment request ”), the education authority must comply with the assessment request unless the request is unreasonable. 2 In subsection (1)(b), “ the appropriate person ” means— a where the proposal referred to in subsection (1)(a) arises from a request referred to in section 6(2), 7(1) or 10(4), the person making the request, b in any other case— i where the proposal relates to a child, the child’s parent, ia where the proposal relates to a child who has attained the age of 12 years, the child, ii where the proposal relates to a young person, the young person or, where the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to make the request, the young person’s parent. 2A But a child who has attained the age of 12 years is an appropriate person for the purposes of subsection (2) only if— a in a case where paragraph (a) of that subsection applies— i the authority is satisfied that there has been no significant change in the circumstances of the child since the request mentioned in that paragraph was made, or ii where the authority is not so satisfied, the authority is satisfied that the child has capacity to make the request referred to in subsection (1)(b) at the time that request is made, b in any other case, the authority is satisfied that the child has capacity to make the request referred to in that subsection. 3 Where a child or young person is to undergo a process of assessment or examination in pursuance of an assessment request, the process is to be carried out by such person as the education authority consider appropriate. 4 In subsection (1)(b), the reference to assessment or examination includes educational, psychological or medical assessment or examination. Assessments and examinations: further provision 8A 1 A person specified in subsection (3) may request that the education authority arrange for a child or young person to whom section 4(1)(a) applies to undergo, for the purpose of considering the additional support needs of the child or young person, a process of assessment or examination. 2 The education authority must comply with the request unless it is unreasonable. 3 The persons referred to in subsection (1) are— a where the request relates to a child, the child's parent, aa where the request relates to a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity to make the request, the child, b where the request relates to a young person, the young person or, where the authority are satisfied the young person lacks capacity to make the request, the young person's parent. 4 The education authority must, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 4(1)(b), take into account the results of any assessment or examination undertaken by virtue of this section. 5 A process of assessment or examination undertaken by virtue of this section is to be carried out by such person as the education authority consider appropriate. 6 In this section the reference to assessment or examination includes educational, psychological or medical assessment or examination. Co-ordinated support plans Duty to prepare co-ordinated support plans 9 1 Where an education authority establish in pursuance of any provision of this Act that a child or young person for whose school education they are responsible requires a co-ordinated support plan, they must prepare such a plan for the child or young person. 2 A co-ordinated support plan prepared under subsection (1) must contain— a a statement of the education authority’s conclusions as to— i the factor or factors from which the additional support needs of the child or young person arise, ii the educational objectives sought to be achieved taking account of that factor or those factors, iii the additional support required by the child or young person to achieve those objectives, and iv the persons by whom the support should be provided, b a nomination of a school to be attended by the child or young person, c the name and other appropriate contact details of— i the officer of the authority responsible for the discharge of the authority’s duty under subsection (5)(d) of section 11, or ii if the authority arrange under subsection (6) of that section for that duty to be discharged by another person, that other person, and d the name and other appropriate contact details of an officer of the authority from whom— i in the case of a plan prepared for a child, the child’s parent can obtain advice and further information , ia in the case of a plan prepared following a request mentioned in section 6(2), 7(2)(a) or 10(4) for a child who has attained the age of 12 and who the authority is satisfied has capacity in relation to advice or further information from the officer, the child can obtain such advice and information, ii in the case of a plan prepared for a young person, the young person or, where the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to seek advice or information, the young person’s parent can obtain such advice and information . ... 3 The references in subsection (2)(a) to educational objectives are to objectives set to secure that the child or young person benefits from school education (within the meaning of section 1(1)) provided or to be provided for the child or young person. Reviews of co-ordinated support plans 10 1 Every education authority must keep under consideration the adequacy of any co-ordinated support plans prepared (and not discontinued) for any children or young persons for whose school education they are responsible . 2 The education authority must carry out a review of each such co-ordinated support plan— a on the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the plan was prepared, and b thereafter, on the expiry of each successive period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the previous review (whether carried out under this subsection or subsection (3) or (4)) of the plan was completed. 3 An education authority may carry out a review of such a co-ordinated support plan before the expiry of a period referred to in subsection (2) only— a pursuant to a request referred to in subsection (4), or b if the authority consider it necessary or expedient to do so because of a significant change in the circumstances of the child or young person for whom the plan was prepared since the plan was prepared or, as the case may be, last reviewed. 4 Where the education authority receive from a person specified in subsection (5) a request to carry out a review of any such co-ordinated support plan as is mentioned in subsection (1) before the expiry of a period referred to in subsection (2), the authority must carry out a review of the plan unless the request is unreasonable. 5 The persons referred to in subsection (4) are— a in the case of a co-ordinated support plan prepared for a child, the child’s parent, aa in the case of a co-ordinated support plan prepared for a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity to make the request, the child, b in the case of a co-ordinated support plan prepared for a young person— i the young person, or ii where the education authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to make the request, the young person’s parent. 5A Where any such co-ordinated support plan as is mentioned in subsection (1) is transferred to the education authority by virtue of regulations made in pursuance of section 11(8), the authority must carry out a review of the plan as soon as practicable after the date of transfer. 6 In reviewing any co-ordinated support plan under this section, the education authority must, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1), establish whether the child or young person for whom the plan was prepared still requires such a plan and— a if so, continue the plan for the child or young person and make such amendments of it as the authority consider necessary or appropriate, or b if not, discontinue the plan. Co-ordinated support plans: further provision 11 1 Subsection (2) applies where an education authority propose— a in pursuance of any provision of this Act, to establish whether any child or young person requires, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan, b to review under section 10 any such plan prepared for any child or young person. 2 Where this subsection applies, the education authority must— a before proceeding, inform the persons mentioned in subsection (3) of their proposal, and b on establishing the matter referred to in subsection (1)(a) or, as the case may be, completing the review referred to in subsection (1)(b), inform those persons of— i the outcome, and ii the rights (if any) which they have under section 18(1) to make a reference to the First-tier Tribunal in connection with the outcome. 3 The persons referred to in subsection (2)(a) are— a in the case of a child, the child’s parent, aa where the proposal— i arises as a result of a request mentioned in section 6(2), 7(2)(a) or 10(4), and ii relates to a child who has attained the age of 12 years, the child, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to understand the information, the young person’s parent, c where the proposal arises as a result of a request referred to in section 7(1) made by the managers of an independent school or a grant-aided school, those managers. 4 Subsection (5) applies where an education authority— a prepare a co-ordinated support plan for any child or young person under this Act, or b amend any such plan— i following a review carried out under section 10, or ii pursuant to a requirement made by the First-tier Tribunal under subsection (4)(b) or (5)(b)(ii) of section 19. 5 Where this subsection applies, the education authority must— a give a copy of the plan or amended plan— i in the case of a child, to the child’s parent, ia in the case of a child who has attained the age of 12 years, to the child (but only if the plan was prepared or amended following a request mentioned in section 6(2), 7(2)(a) or 10(4) made by the child), ii in the case of a young person, to that young person or, if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to understand the plan, to the young person’s parent, b ensure that additional support is provided by them for the child or young person in accordance with the plan or amended plan so far as they have power to do so, c seek to ensure that additional support is provided for the child or young person in accordance with the plan or amended plan by any person (other than the education authority) identified in the plan as a person by whom such support should be provided, d co-ordinate, so far as possible, the provision of additional support for the child or young person as mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c) by the authority and any other persons by whom such support is to be provided, and e inform such persons as they consider appropriate, being persons who will be involved in the provision of additional support for the child or young person, of such matters contained in the plan or amended plan as they consider appropriate. 6 The education authority may arrange for the discharge of their duty under subsection (5)(d) by another person. 7 Subsection (6)— a does not affect the responsibility of the education authority for the discharge of their duty under subsection (5)(d), and b is without prejudice to any other power of the education authority to arrange for the discharge of any of their functions under this Act by another person. 8 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision as to co-ordinated support plans including, in particular, provision as to— a the form of such plans, b the information (in addition to that required by section 9(2)) to be contained in them, c the preparation, keeping, disclosure, discontinuance and destruction of such plans, d the procedures to be followed in carrying out reviews of such plans under section 10, e the transfer of such plans ... f without prejudice to the generality of the other paragraphs in this subsection, the times by which— i such plans are to be prepared, and ii reviews of them under section 10 are to be completed, and g such other matters in relation to co-ordinated support plans as the Scottish Ministers think necessary or expedient. Exchange of information Duties to seek and take account of views, advice and information 12 1 In— a establishing in pursuance of any provision of this Act whether any child or young person— i has additional support needs, or ii requires, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan, b establishing in pursuance of a review carried out under section 10 whether any child or young person still requires a co-ordinated support plan, c preparing such a plan for any child or young person, or d determining in pursuance of section 4(1) what provision to make for such additional support as is required by any child or young person having additional support needs, the education authority must comply with the duty described in subsection (2). 2 That duty is a duty to— a seek and take account of relevant advice and information from such appropriate agencies and other persons as the education authority think appropriate, b subject to subsection (3), seek and take account of the views of— i in the case of a child, the child (unless the authority are satisfied that the child lacks capacity in relation to a view) and the child’s parent, and ii in the case of a young person, that young person or, if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to express a view, the young person’s parent, c take account of any relevant advice or information provided to the authority by or on behalf of the child or young person concerned, and d take account of any relevant advice and information in the authority’s possession or control by virtue of any of their functions other than their functions relating to education. 3 In the cases mentioned in subsection (1)(a)(i) and (d), the duty described in subsection (2)(b) applies only in relation to such children and young persons as the authority consider appropriate. 3A Where any such co-ordinated support plan as is mentioned in section 10(1) is transferred to the education authority by virtue of regulations made in pursuance of section 11(8), the authority's duty under subsection (2)(a) includes a duty to seek and take account of information and advice (within such period as will enable the authority to comply with their duty under section 10(5A)) from the education authority from which the plan was transferred and any agencies or persons involved in providing support under the plan prior to its transfer. 4 Advice or information is relevant for the purposes of subsection (2)(a), (c) or (d) if it is likely to assist the education authority in doing any of the things referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1). 5 Every education authority must— a no later than 12 months before the date on which any child or young person— i having additional support needs, and ii for whose school education the authority are responsible, is expected to cease receiving school education, or b where the education authority become aware that the child or young person is to cease receiving school education less than 12 months before that date, as soon as reasonably practicable after they become so aware, comply with the duty in subsection (6). 6 That duty is a duty to— a request from such appropriate agency or agencies as the authority think fit (if any) such information as the authority consider appropriate concerning any provision which the agency is or, as the case may be, the agencies are likely to make for the child or young person on ceasing to receive school education, b where the authority make a request under paragraph (a), seek the views of— i in the case of a child, that child (unless the authority are satisfied that the child lacks capacity in relation to a view) and the child’s parent, or ii in the case of a young person, that young person or, if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to express a view, the young person’s parent, and c take account of— i any information provided by any appropriate agency or agencies pursuant to a request under paragraph (a), ii any views expressed by the child or young person or the child’s or young person’s parent pursuant to paragraph (b), and iii any provision which the education authority themselves are, in the exercise of any of their functions other than their functions relating to education, likely to make for the child or young person on ceasing to receive school education, in considering the adequacy of the additional support to be provided for the child or young person during the period before the child or young person ceases to receive school education. 7 Subsections (5) and (6) are without prejudice to section 4(1)(b). Provision of information etc. on occurrence of certain events 13 1 Every education authority must— a no later than 6 months before the date on which any child or young person— i having additional support needs, and ii for whose school education the authority are responsible, is expected to cease receiving school education, or b where the education authority become aware that the child or young person is to cease receiving school education less than 6 months before that date, as soon as reasonably practicable after they become so aware, comply with the duty in subsection (2). 2 That duty is a duty— a to provide such appropriate agency or agencies as the authority think fit (if any) with the information specified in subsection (3), and b to— i consider what (if any) provision the authority are, in the exercise of any of their functions other than their functions relating to education, likely to make for the child or young person on ceasing to receive school education, and ii for that purpose, take into account any information specified in subsection (3). 3 The information referred to in subsection (2) is— a information as to the date on which the child or young person is expected to cease receiving school education, and b such other information as the authority consider appropriate concerning the child or young person and the additional support needs of the child or young person. 4 Every education authority must, when any such child or young person as is referred to in subsection (1) ceases to receive school education, inform such appropriate agency or agencies as the authority think fit of that fact as soon as reasonably practicable. 4A In relation to the provision of any information under subsection (2)(a) or (4) in the case of a child, the education authority must seek and take account of the views of the child (unless the authority are satisfied that the child lacks capacity in relation to such a view). 5 Information is to be provided under subsection (2)(a) or (4) only with the consent of— za in the case of a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity to give consent, the child, a in the case of any other child, the child’s parent, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii where the education authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to give consent, the young person’s parent. 6 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for the taking by education authorities of specified action in connection with the occurrence or likely occurrence of specified changes in the school education of children and young persons— a having additional support needs, and b for whose school education the authorities are responsible. 7 Regulations under subsection (6) may, in particular, make provision— a for the disclosure by the authorities of specified information about such children or young persons— i to specified persons or persons of specified descriptions, ii subject to specified conditions, b for such information to be disclosed, or any other action taken, by specified times. 8 In subsections (6) and (7), “ specified ” means specified in regulations under subsection (6). Supporters and advocacy Supporters and advocacy 14 1 Where, in connection with the exercise of an education authority’s functions under this Act in relation to any child or young person, the relevant person wishes— a to have another person (referred to as a “ supporter ”) present at any discussions with the authority for the purpose of supporting the relevant person in the course of those discussions, or b another person (referred to as an “ advocate ”) to— i conduct such discussions or any part of them, or ii make representations to the authority, on the relevant person’s behalf, the education authority must comply with the relevant person’s wishes, unless the wishes are unreasonable. 2 In subsection (1), “ the relevant person ” means— a in the case of a child, the child’s parent, aa in the case of a child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity in relation to discussions or representations as mentioned in subsection (1), the child, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to participate in discussions or make representations as referred to in subsection (1), the young person’s parent. 3 Nothing in subsection (1) is to be read as requiring an education authority to provide or pay for a supporter or advocate. Provision of advocacy service: First-tier Tribunal 14A 1 The Scottish Ministers must, in respect of proceedings before the First-tier Tribunal , secure the provision of an advocacy service to be available on request and free of charge to the persons mentioned in subsection (2). 2 The persons are— a in the case of a child, the child's parent, b in the case of a young person— i the young person, or ii where the young person lacks capacity to participate in discussions or make representations of the type referred to in subsection (3), the young person's parent. 3 In subsection (1) “ advocacy service ” means a service whereby another person conducts discussions with or makes representations to the First-tier Tribunal or any other person involved in the proceedings on behalf of a person mentioned in subsection (2). Mediation and dispute resolution Mediation services 15 1 Every education authority must make such arrangements as they consider appropriate for the provision of independent mediation services for the purposes of seeking to avoid or resolve disagreements between the authority and— a the parents of any children, b any young persons, c in relation to any ... young persons who lack capacity to express a view or make a decision for those purposes, their parents, concerning the exercise by the authority of any of their functions under this Act in relation to the children or young persons. 1A In making arrangements under subsection (1) for the provision of mediation services in respect of a matter that is the subject of a disagreement (or potential disagreement) between an education authority and the parents of a child, the authority must seek and take account of the views of the child in respect of the matter. 2 Mediation services are independent for the purposes of subsection (1) if the person providing the services has no involvement in the exercise by or on behalf of the authority of their functions relating to education or any of their other functions (apart from this section). 3 Arrangements made in pursuance of subsection (1)— a must not require any parent or young person— i to refer any disagreement with the authority to the mediation services provided in accordance with the arrangements, or ii to pay any fee or charge for the provision of the mediation services, and b do not affect the entitlement of any parent or young person to refer any matter to the First-tier Tribunal . 4 In this section and section 16, references to the exercise by an education authority of any function include references to a failure to exercise the function. Dispute resolution 16 1 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision about the resolution of disputes between any education authority and— a the parent of any child ..., aa any child who has attained the age of 12 years and who the authority is satisfied has capacity as respects views or decisions relating to the purposes of resolving such disputes, b any young person ..., or c in relation to any ...young person who lacks capacity to express a view or make a decision for the purposes of resolving such disputes, the young person’s parent, concerning the exercise by the authority of any of their functions under this Act in relation to the child or young person. 2 Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision— za requiring any application by a person mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c) for referral to dispute resolution to be made to the Scottish Ministers, a requiring education authorities to establish a procedure in accordance with the regulations for the resolution of such disputes, b applying to all such disputes or only to such descriptions of such disputes as may be specified in the regulations. 3 However, such regulations, and any provision made in pursuance of such regulations— a must not require any parent , child or young person— i to use any procedure established in accordance with the regulations for the resolution of any dispute with an education authority, or ii to pay any fee or charge for using any such procedure, and b do not affect the entitlement of any parent , child or young person to refer any matter to the First-tier Tribunal . Appeals Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References to the First-tier Tribunal 18 1 Any of the persons specified in subsection (2) may refer to the First-tier Tribunal any decision, failure or information specified in subsection (3) relating to any child or young person for whose school education an education authority are responsible. 2 The persons referred to in subsection (1) are— a where the decision, failure or information relates to a child, the parent of the child, aa where the decision, failure or information relates to a child mentioned in subsection (2A), the child, b where the decision, failure or information relates to a young person— i the young person, or ii where the young person lacks capacity to make the reference, the young person’s parent. 2A The child is a child who has attained the age of 12 years and— a who the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied has capacity to make the reference, and b whose wellbeing would, in the opinion of the First-tier Tribunal , not be adversely affected were the child to make the reference. 3 The decisions, failures and information referred to in subsection (1) are— a a decision of the education authority that the child or young person— i requires a co-ordinated support plan, or ii following a review carried out under section 10, still requires such a plan, b a decision of the education authority that the child or young person— i does not require such a plan, or ii following a review carried out under section 10, no longer requires such a plan, c where it has been established that the child or young person does require a co-ordinated support plan, failure by the education authority to prepare a plan by the time required by regulations made in pursuance of subsection (8)(f)(i) of section 11, d where a co-ordinated support plan has been prepared (and not discontinued) for the child or young person— i any of the information contained in the plan by virtue of subsection (2)(a) of section 9, ia failure by the education authority to provide, or make arrangements for the provision of, the additional support (whether relating to education or not) identified by virtue of section 9(2)(a)(iii), ii failure by the education authority to carry out a review of the plan as required by subsection (2) of section 10, iii where such a review is carried out, failure by the education authority to complete the review by the time required by regulations made in pursuance of subsection (8)(f)(ii) of section 11, or iv a decision of the education authority to refuse a request referred to in subsection (4) of section 10, da a decision of an education authority refusing a placing request made in respect of a child or young person (including such a decision in respect of a child or young person for whose school education the authority refusing the request are not responsible)— i made under sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 of schedule 2 in relation to a special school, or ii made under sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 2 of schedule 2 in relation to a school mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of that sub-paragraph, e where subsection (4) applies, a decision of an education authority refusing a placing request other than a placing request mentioned in paragraph (da) made in respect of a child or young person (including such a decision in respect of a child or young person for whose school education the authority refusing the request are not responsible) . ea a decision of an education authority in relation to the capacity of a child who has attained the age of 12 years to exercise a right under this Act, eb a decision of an education authority that it is, or is not, satisfied as respects a matter relating to the wellbeing of such a child, f a decision of an appeal committee on a reference made to them under paragraph 5 of schedule 2 but only where the things mentioned in any of paragraphs (a), (b), (ba) and (c) of subsection (4) occur— i after the decision of the appeal committee, but ii before the time by which any appeal must be lodged in accordance with paragraph 7(3) of schedule 2. g failure by the education authority to comply with their duties under section 12(6) and 13 in respect of the child or young person (except where consent for information to be provided under section 13(2)(a) or (4) has not been given under section 13(5)) . 4 This subsection applies where ...— a a co-ordinated support plan has been prepared (and not discontinued) for the child or young person, b no such plan has been prepared, but it has been established by the education authority that the child or young person requires such a plan, or ba no such plan has been prepared, but under subsection (2)(a) of section 11 the education authority have informed the persons mentioned in subsection (3) of that section of their proposal to establish whether the child or young person requires, or would require, such a plan, c the education authority have decided that the child or young person does not require such a plan and that decision has been referred to the First-tier Tribunal under subsection (1). 5 A decision of an education authority not to comply with a request referred to in section 6(2)(b) made in relation to any child or young person is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a decision of the authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan. 5A Where an education authority fail, in response to a request referred to in section 6(2)(b)— a to inform under subsection (2)(a) of section 11 the persons mentioned in subsection (3) of that section of their proposal to establish whether a child or young person requires, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan by the time required by regulations made in pursuance of subsection (8) of that section, or b to inform those persons of any decision not to comply with the request by the time required by such regulations, that failure is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a decision of the authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan. 5B Where under subsection (2)(a) of section 11 the education authority have informed the persons mentioned in subsection (3) of that section of their proposal to establish whether the child or young person requires, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan, failure by the authority so to establish by the time required by regulations made in pursuance of subsection (8) of that section is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a decision of the authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan. 6 Where, in respect of any child or young person for whom a co-ordinated support plan has been prepared (and not discontinued), any of the information referred to in subsection (3)(d)(i) has been referred under subsection (1) to the First-tier Tribunal , a further reference under that subsection in respect of the same information is not competent unless, since the last such reference was disposed of, a review of the plan has been carried out under section 10. 7 Where a decision referred to in subsection (3)(da) or (e) in respect of a child or young person has been referred under subsection (1) to the First-tier Tribunal , a further reference under that subsection of such a decision in respect of the child or young person is not competent during the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the last such reference of such a decision was made, unless, during that period— a a review of any co-ordinated support plan prepared for the child or young person has been carried out under section 10, b any such plan prepared for the child or young person has been amended pursuant to a requirement made by the First-tier Tribunal under section 19(4)(b), or c where the last such reference of such a decision was made by virtue of subsection (4)(c), a co-ordinated support plan has been prepared for the child or young person. 8 For the purposes of subsection (7), it is irrelevant whether the further reference, and the last reference, mentioned in that subsection relate to the same or to different specified schools (which expression is to be construed in accordance with paragraph 2(3) of schedule 2). 9 Nothing in subsection (7) prevents a further reference being made during the period mentioned in that subsection if the last reference so mentioned is, by virtue of rules under paragraph 11 of schedule 1, withdrawn before any hearing by the First-tier Tribunal in relation to the last reference is held. 10 But where a further reference is made in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (9), the Chamber President may, if satisfied that there is good reason to do so, decide that the reference is not to proceed to consideration by the First-tier Tribunal . 11 Subsection (7) applies in relation to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(ea) or (eb) as it applies in relation to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(da) or (e); but only where any further reference would relate to— a the same right as mentioned in subsection (3)(ea) as the last such reference relates to, or b the same matter as mentioned in subsection (3)(eb) as the last such reference relates to. Powers of First-tier Tribunal in relation to reference 19 1 This section specifies the powers of the First-tier Tribunal in relation to a reference made under section 18. 2 Where the reference relates to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(a), (b) , (d)(iv), (ea) or (eb) of that section, the First-tier Tribunal may— a confirm the decision, or b overturn the decision and require the education authority to take such action as the First-tier Tribunal considers appropriate by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require. 3 Where the reference relates to a failure referred to in subsection (3)(c) , (d)(ia), (ii) or (iii) or (g) of that section, the First-tier Tribunal may require the education authority to take such action to rectify the failure as the First-tier Tribunal considers appropriate by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require. 4 Where the reference relates to information referred to in subsection (3)(d)(i) of that section, the First-tier Tribunal may— a confirm the information, or b require the education authority to make such amendment of the information as the First-tier Tribunal considers appropriate by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require. 4A Where the reference relates to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(da) of that section the First-tier Tribunal may— a confirm the decision if satisfied that— i one or more grounds of refusal specified in paragraph 3(1) or (3) of schedule 2 exists or exist, and ii in all the circumstances it is appropriate to do so, b overturn the decision and require the education authority to— i place the child or young person in the school specified in the placing request to which the decision related by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require, and ii make such amendments to any co-ordinated support plan prepared for the child or young person as the First-tier Tribunal considers appropriate by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require. 5 Where the reference relates to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(e) of that section, the First-tier Tribunal may— a confirm the decision if satisfied that— i one or more of the grounds of refusal specified in paragraph 3(1) or (3) of schedule 2 exists or exist, and ii in all the circumstances it is appropriate to do so, b overturn the decision and require the education authority to— i place the child or young person in the school specified in the placing request to which the decision related, and by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require ii make such amendments to the co-ordinated support plan prepared for the child or young person as the First-tier Tribunal considers appropriate by such time as the First-tier Tribunal may require, or ba where— i the decision was referred to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of the application of subsection (4)(ba) of that section, and ii the education authority have decided the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan and that decision has not been referred to the First-tier Tribunal under subsection (1) of that section by the time within which such references are to be made, refer the decision to an appeal committee set up under section 28D of the 1980 Act, c where— i the decision was referred to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of the application of subsection (4)(c) of that section, and ii the First-tier Tribunal has confirmed the decision of the education authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan, refer the decision to an appeal committee set up under section 28D of the 1980 Act. d where— i the decision was transferred from an appeal committee to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of paragraph 6(4) and (5) of schedule 2 because the thing described in subsection (4)(ba) of that section occurred, and ii the education authority have decided the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan and that decision has not been referred to the First-tier Tribunal under subsection (1) of that section by the time within which such references are to be made, refer the decision back to the appeal committee, e where— i the decision was transferred from an appeal committee to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of paragraph 6(4) and (5) of schedule 2 because the things described in subsection (4)(c) of that section occurred, and ii the First-tier Tribunal has confirmed the decision of the education authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan, refer the decision back to the appeal committee, f where— i the decision was transferred from the sheriff to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of paragraph 7(8) and (9) of schedule 2 because the thing described in subsection (4)(ba) of that section occurred, and ii the education authority have decided the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan and that decision has not been referred to the First-tier Tribunal under subsection (1) of that section by the time within which such references are to be made, refer the decision back to the sheriff, g where— i the decision was transferred from the sheriff to the First-tier Tribunal by virtue of paragraph 7(8) and (9) of schedule 2 because the things described in subsection (4)(c) of that section occurred, and ii the First-tier Tribunal has confirmed the decision of the education authority that the child or young person does not require a co-ordinated support plan, refer the decision back to the sheriff. 5A Where the reference relates to a decision referred to in subsection (3)(f) of that section the First-tier Tribunal has the powers as mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (5) of this section. 6 Paragraphs 6 and 7 of schedule 2 apply to a reference made to an appeal committee under paragraph (ba) or (c) of subsection (5) as they apply to a reference made to an appeal committee under paragraph 5 of that schedule. 7 In exercising its powers under this section, the First-tier Tribunal must take account, so far as relevant, of any code of practice published by the Scottish Ministers under section 27(1). References to First-tier Tribunal and powers of First-tier Tribunal: further provision 20 1 The Scottish Ministers may by order extend the categories of decision, failure or information in respect of which a reference to the First-tier Tribunal under section 18(1) may be made; and without prejudice to the generality such further categories of decision, failure or information may include— a a decision of the education authority— i that the child or young person has, or does not have, additional support needs, ii that a child or young person has additional support needs of a type that the person making the referral considers are not an accurate reflection of the child or young person’s additional support needs, iii to refuse an assessment request as referred to in section 8, iv as to the person, or to the means used, or to be used, to carry out the process of assessment or examination referred to in section 8, b failure by— i the education authority, ii any person identified in any co-ordinated support plan prepared for the child or young person as a person by whom additional support should be provided, or iii a combination of these persons, to provide the additional support required by the child or young person. 2 Any order made under subsection (1) may also include provision to allow the Chamber President to reject references to the First-tier Tribunal arising from any further category of decision, failure or information referred to in the order without a hearing where the Chamber President is satisfied that the reference prima facie raises no substantial issue. 3 Orders made under subsection (1) may also make such consequential provision as the Scottish Ministers consider necessary or expedient, including provision as to the First-tier Tribunal’s powers in relation to any new category of decision, failure or information that may be referred to it. Appeal to Court of Session against Tribunal decision 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing requests Placing requests 22 Schedule 2 makes provision about placing requests in relation to children and young persons having additional support needs. Miscellaneous Other agencies etc. to help in exercise of functions under this Act 23 1 Where it appears to an education authority that an appropriate agency could, by doing certain things, help in the exercise of any of the education authority’s functions under this Act, the authority may, specifying what those things are, request the help of that agency. 2 For the purposes of this Act, each of the following is, in relation to any education authority, an appropriate agency, namely— a any other local authority, b any Health Board, and c any person, or a person of any description, specified for the purposes of this subsection in an order made by the Scottish Ministers. 3 An appropriate agency must comply with a request made to it under subsection (1) unless it considers that the request— a is incompatible with its own statutory or other duties, or b unduly prejudices the discharge of any of its functions. 4 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations provide that, where an appropriate agency is under a duty by virtue of subsection (3) to comply with a request made to it under subsection (1), the agency must, subject to such exceptions as may be provided in the regulations, comply with the request within such period as is specified in the regulations. 5 Where it appears to an education authority that, by doing certain things in the exercise of any of their other functions (whether relating to education or not), they could help the exercise by them of their functions under this Act, the authority must do those things unless they consider that to do so would— a be incompatible with any of their statutory or other duties, or b unduly prejudice the discharge by them of any of their functions. Power to prescribe standards etc. for special schools 24 1 The Scottish Ministers may make regulations prescribing standards and requirements relating to the conduct of special schools. 2 Subsection (1) is without prejudice to section 2 (power to prescribe standards etc. for education authorities) of the 1980 Act. Attendance at establishments outwith the United Kingdom 25 1 An education authority may make such arrangements as they consider appropriate to enable a child or young person having additional support needs to attend an establishment (whether or not a school) outwith the United Kingdom if that establishment makes provision wholly or mainly for persons having such needs. 2 Such arrangements may, in particular, include paying, whether wholly or partly— a the fees payable, and any travelling, maintenance and other expenses, in respect of the child or young person’s attendance at the establishment, b where in the opinion of the authority it would be to the advantage of the child or young person if— i one or both of the parents of the child or young person, or ii some other person, were present with the child or young person at the establishment during the period of the child or young person’s attendance at the establishment, any travelling, maintenance or other expenses of the parent, parents or other person (as the case may be) so present. 3 This section is without prejudice to sections 49 (power to assist persons to take advantage of educational facilities) and 50 (education of pupils in exceptional circumstances) of the 1980 Act. Publication of information by education authority 26 1 Every education authority must— a publish information with respect to the matters specified in subsection (2), b keep that information under review, ... c where necessary or appropriate, revise the information and publish that revised information , and d provide the persons mentioned in subsection (2A) with any information published under paragraph (a) or (c). e ensure that a summary of the information published by the authority under this subsection is available— i on request, from each place in the authority's area where school education is provided, ii in any handbook or other publications provided by any school in the authority's area or by the authority for the purposes of providing general information about the school or, as the case may be, the services provided by the authority, and iii on any website maintained by any such school or the authority for that purpose (whether or not the website is also maintained for any other reason), 2 The information referred to in subsection (1)(a) is information as to— a the authority’s policy in relation to provision for additional support needs, b the arrangements made by the authority in pursuance of sections 4(1)(b) and 6(1), c the other opportunities available under this Act for the identification of children and young persons who— i have additional support needs, ii require, or would require, a co-ordinated support plan, d the role of parents, children and young persons in the arrangements referred to in paragraph (b), e the mediation services provided in pursuance of section 15(1), and ea any dispute resolution procedures established by the authority in pursuance of section 16, f the officer or officers of the authority from whom— i parents of children having additional support needs, ... ia children having additional support needs and who have attained the age of 12 years, and ii young persons having such needs, can obtain advice and further information about provision for such needs. g any Health Board for the area or any part of the area of the authority from which the persons referred to in subsection (2)(f)(i) and (ii) can obtain advice, further information and support in relation to the provision for their additional support needs; and h any other persons which the authority think appropriate from which the persons referred to in subsection (2)(f)(i) and (ii) can obtain advice, further information and support in relation to the provision for such needs, including such support and advocacy as is referred to in section 14 , and i any other persons specified by the Scottish Ministers by order as persons from which the persons referred to in subsection (2)(f)(i) and (ii) can obtain advice, further information and support in relation to the provision for such needs, including such support and advocacy as is referred to in section 14 2A The persons referred to in subsection (1)(d) are— a in the case of a child with additional support needs for whose school education the authority are responsible, the child's parent, aa in the case of such a child who has attained the age of 12 years, the child, b in the case of a young person with additional support needs for whose school education the authority are responsible— i the young person, or ii if the authority are satisfied that the young person lacks capacity to understand the information published under this subsection by the authority, the young person's parent. 3 The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision as to the publication of information under subsection (1) including, in particular, provision— a amending subsection (2) so as to add further matters, b as to— i the time or times by which, and ii the form and manner in which, the information is to be published. Availability of information on additional support needs 26A The Scottish Ministers must report to the Scottish Parliament in each of the five years following the commencement of this section on what progress has been made in each of those years in ensuring that sufficient information relating to children and young persons with additional support needs is available to effectively monitor the implementation of this Act. Code of practice and directions 27 1 The Scottish Ministers must publish, and may from time to time revise and re-publish, a code of practice providing guidance as to the exercise by education authorities and appropriate agencies of the functions conferred on them by virtue of this Act. 2 Such a code of practice may, in particular, include provision as to— a the particular circumstances or factors which may give rise to additional support needs, b the identification of complex and multiple factors for the purposes of section 2, c the nature of the additional support referred to in section 2(1)(d), d the nature of the additional support to be provided in pursuance of a co-ordinated support plan, da the carrying out of assessments under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section 3A, db the consideration of whether something would adversely affect the wellbeing of a child as mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, dc the assessment of whether there has been a significant change in the circumstances of a child as mentioned in section 8(2A)(a), e the arrangements to be made in pursuance of sections 4(1)(b) and 6(1), f the seeking of information, advice and views under section 12, g the arrangements to be made under section 15(1), h the carrying out of the duties under paragraph 2(1) and (2) of schedule 2, i the particular circumstances when those duties do not apply. 3 Before publishing a code of practice under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult— a each education authority and appropriate agency, and b such other persons as they think fit. 4 The Scottish Ministers must lay before the Scottish Parliament a draft of any code of practice they propose to publish under subsection (1). 5 The Scottish Ministers must not publish the code until after the expiry of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft was laid before the Parliament. 6 The Scottish Ministers must, in the published code of practice, take account of any comments on the draft expressed by the Parliament within that period. 7 In calculating any period of 40 days for the purposes of subsections (5) and (6), no account is to be taken of any time during which the Parliament is dissolved or is in recess for more than 4 days. 8 Education authorities and appropriate agencies must, in exercising their functions under this Act, have regard to a code of practice published under this section. 9 The Scottish Ministers may give to education authorities directions (whether general or specific) as to the exercise of their functions under this Act. 10 Such directions may be given to all education authorities, to a particular authority or to authorities of a particular description. 11 Education authorities must comply with any directions given to them under this section. 12 References in this Act to a code of practice published under this section include any revised code of practice re-published under this section. Collection of data on additional support needs 27A 1 The Scottish Ministers must each year collect from each education authority such information as is specified in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers relating to children and young persons having additional support needs for whose school education the authority is responsible. 1A Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. 2 The Scottish Ministers must publish the information collected each year under subsection (1). 3 The Scottish Ministers may (after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate) by regulations specify the format in and method by which the information mentioned in subsection (1) is to be— a provided to, and b published by, them. General Requests under this Act: further provision 28 1 References in this Act to a “request” are to a request which— a is in— i writing, or ii another form which, by reason of its having some permanence, is capable of being used for subsequent reference (as, for example, an audio or video recording), and b contains a statement of the reasons for making the request. 2 Where an education authority decide not to comply with any request made to them under this Act, the authority must— a inform the person who made the request of that decision, b in so doing, give reasons for the decision, c except where the request was of the type specified in section 7(2)(b), provide the person who made the request with information as to— i the mediation services provided in pursuance of arrangements made by the authority under section 15(1), and ii any procedures for the resolution of disputes established by the authority in pursuance of any regulations under section 16, d where the request was made under section 6(2)(b) or 10(4), inform the person who made the request of the right under section 18(1) to refer the decision to the First-tier Tribunal , and e where the request was a placing request, inform the person who made the request of— i the right under paragraph 5 of schedule 2 to refer the decision to an appeal committee, or ii the right under section 18(1) to refer the decision to the First-tier Tribunal , (as appropriate). Interpretation 29 1 In this Act— “ the 1980 Act ” means the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 44), “ the 2000 Act ” means the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 (asp 6), “ additional support ” has the meaning given in section 1(3), “ additional support needs ” is to be construed in accordance with section 1(1), “ appropriate agency ” is to be construed in accordance with section 23(2), “ co-ordinated support plan ” has the meaning given in section 2(1) and, in relation to any such plan which has been amended by virtue of any provision of this Act, references in this Act to a co-ordinated support plan are (except where the context otherwise requires) to the plan as amended, “ eligible pre-school child ” has the same meaning as in Part 6 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, “First-tier Tribunal” means the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Health and Education Chamber “ local authority ” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39), “ placing request ” has the meaning given in paragraph 2(3) of schedule 2, ... ... “ primary education ” is to be construed in accordance with section 135(2) of the 1980 Act, “ special school ” means— a school, or any class or other unit forming part of a public school which is not itself a special school, the sole or main purpose of which is to provide education specially suited to the additional support needs of children or young persons selected for attendance at the school, class or (as the case may be) unit by reason of those needs, ... “ young person ” means a person who— is aged 16 years or over, is a pupil at a school, and has, since attaining the age of 16 years or over, remained a pupil at that or another school. 2 In this Act, the following expressions have the meanings given in section 135(1) of the 1980 Act— “ child ”, “ education authority ”, “ grant-aided school ”, “ Health Board ”, “ independent school ”, “ managers ”, “ parent ”, “ public school ”, “ school ”, “ school age ”, “ school education ”, .... 3 In this Act and subject to subsection (3A) , references to a child or young person for whose school education an education authority are responsible are to any child or young person being, or about to be, provided with school education— a in a school under the management of the education authority, or b in pursuance of arrangements made or entered into by the authority. 3A For the purposes of this Act, where arrangements are made or entered into by an education authority in respect of the school education of a child or young person with another education authority, the authority responsible for that school education is the authority for the area to which the child or young person belongs despite the education being, or about to be, provided in a school under the management of another authority. 4 In this Act, references to a child or young person belonging to an area are to be construed in accordance with section 23(3) of the 1980 Act. 5 In this Act, references to the doing of anything in writing include references to the doing of that thing by means of a document— a transmitted by electronic means, b received in legible form, and c capable of being used for subsequent reference. Transitional provision: recorded children and young persons 30 1 This section applies to any child or young person— a for whose school education an education authority are, at the commencement date, responsible, and b who, immediately before that date, was a recorded child or young person within the meaning of the 1980 Act. 2 Such a child or young person is, for the purposes of this Act, to be taken to have additional support needs. 3 The education authority must, before the end of the period of 2 years beginning with the commencement date, establish, in accordance with the arrangements made by them under section 6(1), whether the child or young person requires a co-ordinated support plan. 4 Until the appropriate date, the education authority must ensure that the provision made by them in pursuance of section 4(1)(a) for the additional support required by the child or young person is no less than the provision which was, immediately before the commencement date, made for the child or young person under section 62(3) (duty of education authority to provide for special educational needs of recorded children and young persons) of the 1980 Act. 5 In subsection (4), “ the appropriate date ” means— a where the education authority establish in pursuance of subsection (3) that the child or young person requires a co-ordinated support plan, the date on which they so establish that matter, b where the authority establish in pursuance of that subsection that the child or young person does not require such a plan, the date of expiry of the period of 2 years beginning with the date on which they so establish that matter, or c if there is a significant change in the child’s or young person’s additional support needs, the date on which the authority establish the occurrence of that change, whichever occurs first. 6 In this section— “ the commencement date ” means the date on which this section comes into force, and “ the education authority ” means the education authority responsible for the child’s or young person’s school education. Duty to inform in writing or alternative permanent form 31 Where an education authority are, under this Act, to inform a parent , child who has attained the age of 12 years or young person of any matter, they must do so— a in writing, or b in such other form as the parent , child or young person may reasonably require, being a form which, by reason of its having some permanence, is capable of being used for subsequent reference (as, for example, an audio or video recording). Provision of support service 31A 1 The Scottish Ministers must secure the provision of a support service to be available, on request and free of charge, to children who have attained the age of 12 years and— a who wish to exercise, or are considering exercising, relevant rights, or b whose parents wish to exercise, or are considering exercising, relevant rights. 2 In this section, “ a support service ” means a service under which— a advice (including legal advice), assistance and information in relation to relevant rights are provided to children mentioned in subsection (1), b a person is provided to be present at any discussions with an education authority in relation to the relevant rights of such a child for the purpose of supporting the child (where the child wishes such a person to be present), c a person is provided to conduct such discussions (or any part of them), or make representations to an education authority, on behalf of such a child (where the child wishes such a person to be provided), and d an advocacy service (within the meaning of subsection (3) of section 14A) is provided to such children (the reference in that subsection to persons mentioned in subsection (2) being read as if such children were mentioned in that subsection). 3 Subsection (4) applies where— a a child, or parent, as mentioned in subsection (1) wishes to exercise, or is considering exercising, relevant rights, or b some other thing is done, or proposed to be done, under this Act by or in relation to such a child. 4 Any person providing a support service under this section may seek the views of the child as respects— a the exercise of the relevant rights, or b the doing, or proposed doing, of the thing. 5 In this section, “relevant rights”— a in relation to a child who has attained the age of 12 years, means any rights conferred by or under this Act on such children, and includes the right— i to receive any document or information, and ii to give consent in relation to any matter, and b in relation to the parents of such a child, means any rights conferred on the parents by or under this Act. Ancillary provision 32 The Scottish Ministers may by order make such incidental, supplemental, consequential, further transitional, transitory or saving provision as they consider necessary or expedient for the purposes or in consequence of this Act. Modification of enactments 33 Schedule 3 makes modifications of enactments in consequence of this Act. Orders, regulations and rules 34 1 Any power of the Scottish Ministers to make orders, regulations or rules under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument. 2 Any such power includes power to make— a such incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision as the Scottish Ministers think necessary or expedient, b different provision for different purposes. 3 An order under section 32 may modify any enactment, instrument or document. 4 A statutory instrument containing an order, regulations or rules under this Act (except section 3B(3), section 17(5), section 32 (where subsection (5) applies) and section 35) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament. 5 No— a order under sections 20 and 32 containing provisions which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act, or b regulations under section 3B(3) or 17(5), is or are to be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order or regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Parliament. Commencement and short title 35 1 The provisions of this Act, other than sections 29, 32 and 34 and this section, come into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by order appoint. 2 This Act may be cited as the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.