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15 November, 2005
PUPILS with special needs are entitled to extra support thanks to the Additional
Support for Learning Act which came into force yesterday (Monday).
At the heart of the Act is a new duty on councils to make and monitor
appropriate arrangements for all pupils who need support to access and benefit
from school education.
It also:
* places a duty on councils, education, health and social services to work
together to support pupils;
* requires local authorities to seek and take account of children's and young
people's views.
* strengthens parents' rights by introducing mediation and dispute resolution
services;
* ensures schools devote adequate time to preparing pupils for life beyond the
classroom.
* introduces co-ordinated support plans for pupils with multiple or complex
needs;
* sets up independent tribunals to hear appeals relating to co-ordinated support
plans.
Deputy education minister Robert Brown said: "The new Act should ensure that
support is provided, no matter what the needs of the individual pupil. It
expands the range of needs that authorities have a duty to consider and provide
for."
Shetland Islands Council will receive extra funding of £58,750 in 2006/07 and
2007/08 to help them implement the act.
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