The ASL Act

Introduced the concept of Additional Support for Learning
Phases out the Record of Needs
Introduced a Co-ordinated Support Plan for some children with additional support needs
Introduced arrangements for mediation where parents are dissatisfied
Introduced a Tribunal where Parents can refer decisions by their local authority about their child’s education and support.

HOW IS THE ACT WORKING ? HAS SUPPORT IMPROVED? ARE SERVICES WORKING WELL TOGETHER/ WHAT IS IT MEANING FOR YOUR CHILD? HAVE YOU USED MEDIATION? HAVE YOU HAD CONTACT WITH THE TRIBUNAL?

The Scottish Executive has evaluated the impact of the Act using teams of Inspectors (HMIE) in each local authority area and their Report on the implementation of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 was published in 2007.

Afasic Scotland is continuing to monitor the impact of the Act on children with speech and language impairments and the effect of other changes in e.g. the work of Health Visitors and Speech and Language Therapists. We need your help! Please let us know what is happening in your area - good things and bad. We’d like to learn from your experience

You can write, telephone or email us: -

Afasic Scotland, 1 Prospect 3, Gemini Crescent, Dundee DD2 1TY
Tel: 01382 561891 - Fax: 01382 568391
Email: info@afasicscotland.org.uk

Other useful sources of information about the Act are:
www.Itscotland.org.uk/inclusiveeducation
Run by Learning and Teaching Scotland, this website is a comprehensive resource for anyone working with children with additional support needs. At this site you can download copies of the Act, the new code of practice and sections of the new training resource "Supporting Children's Learning" which has been distributed by the Scottish Executive across Scotland. Learning Teaching Scotland also has a website for parents: www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk for other advice about supporting your child's learning and getting involved in their education.

www.asntscotland.gov.uk for information about the Tribunal. They can also be contacted by email at inquiries@asntscotland.gov.uk or through their helpline (0845 120 2096 - all calls at local rate).

www.enquire.org.uk the advice service for additional support for learning funded by the Scottish Executive.

www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/06/20105158/0 is the link to the new leaflet Additional Support for Learning - A guide for parents/carers and the link to the main Additional Support for Learning webpage is http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/welfare/ASL