ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS TRIBUNAL FOR SCOTLAND

Where we fit in

UK

The Scotland Act 1998 devolved  education policy to the Scottish government.  The Tribunal's jurisdiction is therefore limited to Scotland.  Education for children with barriers to learning in England and Wales is covered by separate legislation based around a special educational needs framework, where a statement sets out those needs.

The English and Welsh Tribunal was established in September 1994 and currently operates in accordance with sections 333-336 of the Education Act 1996 and associated regulation.  As a result of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, devolution of power to the Welsh Assembly Government and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, the Tribunal has taken on disability discrimination cases in school education and divided into separate English and Welsh tribunals.  Appeals against statements in Wales go to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales (SENTW) and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) covers England. 

Who monitors us?

As with all tribunals in Scotland, the Scottish Tribunal operates under the oversight of the Scottish Committee of the Administrative Justice Tribunals Council under the provisions of the Tribunal and Inquiries Act 1992 (as amended by the 2004 Act). This requires the Scottish Committee to keep under review the constitution and working of the Tribunal, to consider and report on such matters as may be referred to the Scottish Committee, with respect to matters such as Tribunal hearings.

How do we relate to the Scottish Government?

The operation of the Tribunals is independent of the Scottish Government.  The Tribunal is sponsored by the Support for Learning Division of the Scottish Government Education Directorate.  The sponsor division provides support and advice on finance, personnel and any policy issues to the tribunal administration.  The relationship between the Scottish Government and the tribunal is defined in a Management Statement, which delineates responsibilities and accountability, including setting the tribunal’s annual budget. 

How can we hear our users’ views?

In order to seek feedback from users or potential users of the Additional Support Needs Tribunals, we hold Tribunal User Group (TUG) events. During our establishment year, 3 TUG events were held and the most recent TUG event took place on 9th November 2007  in Glasgow. Please refer to the 'News and Events' section of our homepage for information on forthcoming TUG events or email the tribunal administration for further information.