Executive to consult on special needs

23 May 2001

* A major consultation was launched last week by Nicol Stephen, Scotland's deputy minister for education, as part of a review of the record of needs system for children with special educational needs. Mr Stephen said, 'Our assessment and recording arrangements for children with special educational needs date from 1980. After 20 years it is time for a review. I know that many parents have concerns over the present system and want to see it improved and strengthened. This consultation provides an opportunity to look at how best to provide a high quality education to meet all children's individual needs.'

Mr Stephen said, 'Our assessment and recording arrangements for children with special educational needs date from 1980. After 20 years it is time for a review. I know that many parents have concerns over the present system and want to see it improved and strengthened. This consultation provides an opportunity to look at how best to provide a high quality education to meet all children's individual needs.'

Children in Scotland welcomed the consultation. Its policy officer Douglas Hamilton said, 'In previous work we have done with parents we have found they are generally in favour of having a legal document such as the record of needs, as it brings together information known by all professionals involved.

'However, there are concerns about issues such as variable practice between local authorities, lack of information and advice on the process and limited consideration of children's views within the recording procedure.'

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