Legislation
Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000
The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 sets out the rights of children to education (including children who cannot attend school because of ill-health or who have been excluded) and the related duties of education authorities. This includes a duty to make sure that a child’s education is directed to the development of their personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential. It also says that local authorities and schools must have due regard to children’s views in decisions that significantly affect them. This Act also introduced the policy of ‘presumption of mainstreaming’, i.e. that all children will be expected to attend mainstream school unless certain circumstances apply.
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 is a key part of the Scottish Government’s strategy for making Scotland the best place in the world for children to grow up. It made several changes to the law covering lots of different areas. These include changes to early learning and childcare, free school meals for children in P1-3, and extra support for looked after children and care leavers. It also puts responsibilities on Scottish Ministers and public bodies to consider how they can promote children’s rights and requires them to report on their progress on this every three years.
Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended
The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended, provides a framework for local authorities and other agencies to support all children with their learning. It introduced the concept of additional support needs, gave parents and pupils new rights, and placed duties on local authorities and other agencies. It also set in place the processes for resolving differences for families and authorities – mediation, dispute resolution and the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
Education (Scotland) Act 1980
The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 sets out the basic legal framework for the provision of education in Scotland including the duties of local authorities and rights of parents.
Education (Scotland) Act 2016
Act supporting a range of improvements to Scottish education.
Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006
Equality Act 2010
Act providing a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
Credit: https://enquire.org.uk
