​The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended 2009):

• created the term 'additional support needs'
• places duties on local authorities to identify, meet and keep under review the needs of pupils for whom they are responsible
• gives parents a number of rights, including the right to access mediation, dispute resolution and refer decisions to the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for matters concerned with a co-ordinated support plan.

Further information can be found in the Parents' Guide to Additional Support for Learning.

Duties of local authorities

Supporting Children's Learning: Code of Practice explains the new duties of local authorities and other agencies to support children's and young people's learning under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 as amended.

Progress in implementing the Act

Scottish Ministers must report each year on implementation of the Act. They have published three reports so far, for 2012, 2013 and 2014. There will be two more reports, in 2015 and 2016.

What learning and support is my child entitled to?

All children and young people in Scotland have a number of entitlements - find further information in What is my child entitled to?

Related links

Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 (PDF file).​

You can get advice and information from Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Contact Enquire's telephone helpline on 0345 123 2303 or visit the Enquire website.