Appeals for special needs pupils

The assembly government says they want to listen more to children

Children with special needs could soon have more control over their education after plans by the assembly government.

The plans mean children who have gone through a special needs statement procedure to determine their education provision can appeal against decisions.

Currently children cannot appeal against the local education authority (LEA) decision.

Opposition AMs have said they are not against the scheme but have said other issues need to be tackled first.

Under the current system, children with special educational needs can be assessed and given a statement outlining the support which could be given to them in school. It may include extra teaching lessons.

If the local education authority do not provide the support a family believe is needed an appeal cavn be made to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Tribunal for Wales.

We are not opposing this but we think there could be more important things to be tackled such as improving advocacy support Alun Cairns AM

Under the new proposals, the child affected can appeal against a decision by the LEA if a child is competent to pursue the appeal.

Jane Hutt education minister said: "The right of children to appeal to the SEN tribunal for Wales forms part of a broader commitment to promote the participation of children with special educational needs in decisions that affect their lives."

But Alun Cairns, AM, Conservative education spokesman said he would be surprised if it affected three children a year and there should be higher priorities for the assembly government.

"We are not opposing this but we think there could be more important things to be tackled such as improving advocacy support and we would need to know how much money they are going to put into it."

Consultation is due to take place on the proposals.

The plans would form part of an assembly measure or law after the assembly was granted power to legislate with an additional needs Legislative Competence Order.