Welcome to the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland
The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland (ASNTS) were established in November 2005 by The 
Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 which made provision for the establishment of the Tribunals which now hear cases involving children and young people who face the biggest barriers to learning. There is also amending legislation which introduces some new changes, Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009, which apply from the 14 November 2010.
The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland consider appeals (references) made by parents and young people against decisions of Education Authorities regarding the provision of educational support.
Co-ordinated support plans (CSPs) are now prepared for children with additional support needs:
- arising from complex or multiple factors;
- requiring a range of support from different services; and
- enduring for one year or more
The Additional Support Needs Tribunals hears references involving children and young people who either have, or are potentially entitled to have, a co-ordinated support plan.
The Tribunal will also in certain circumstances hear references about placing requests.
This website has been designed to help anyone who has an interest in the Tribunal. If you are a young person or the parent of child with additional support needs, this website should help you decide whether the Tribunal can help with your dispute. If your interest stems from your role within an Education Authority or you have been asked to appear as a witness, information on this website should help you understand what will be expected.
Disability Discrimination Claims
From the 18th March 2011, the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland can also consider appeals (claims) made by the parent or the person where they have the capacity to make a claim against the responsible body that has discriminated against the person because of a disability.
Schools must not treat disabled pupils less favorably because of their disability. Discrimination can also occur when a disabled pupil is placed at substantial disadvantage because reasonable adjustments have not been made to account for their disability. Further information is available in our dedicated section of the website.
Latest news and events
- The annual Tribunal User Group (TUG) event will be held on Friday 12 April 2013 in Europa Building, Glasgow. For further information please contact the Secretariat.
- Seventh Annual Report of the President of the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland 2011-2012 is now available to download.
- A Tribunal User Group (TUG) event was held on Friday 30 March 2012 in Europa Building, Glasgow. The minutes of this meeting are available in our publications section.
- The Secretariat have relocated offices from Highlander House to Europa Building. Updated contact details are on the Contacts page.
- Dr Joe Morrow has been appointed as the new President of the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland effective from the 1st September 2011. To view the official announcement please click here.
- Sixth Annual Report of the President of the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland 2010-2011 is now available to download.
- The administrative support for the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland is now provided by the Scottish Tribunals Service, a delivery unit of the Scottish Government. Further details of the Scottish Tribunals Service can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/legal/Tribunals This change does not affect the judicial independence of this Tribunal or other Tribunals that are now being supported in this way.
- The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland has taken on responsibility for the Disability Discrimination Jurisdiction for pupils with disabilities within Education from 18th March. Help and support is also available from the following Organisations:
Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning
Helpline - 0845 1232303
- A Tribunal User Group (TUG) was held on 19th November 2010 in Edinburgh. The slideshow presentations by both the President and the Secretary are available on the Publications page, along with the report on the event.
- The providers of the new advocacy service will be a joint venture between Barnardos and the Scottish Child Law Centre. Further details on how to access the service can be obtained from the Tribunals secretariat or the national helpline Enquire.
- The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland has moved to new premises. Full details of the new address and contact details are on the contact us page.
- ASNTS Guide now available in Easyread format
- Reference Form