Measure gives young people ground-breaking rights

The Education (Wales) Measure will provide rights for children and young people themselves to make special educational needs appeals and claims of disability discrimination to the SEN Tribunal for Wales.

Pilot schemes

Two local authority pilot schemes in Wrexham and Cardiff have been agreed in principle to test the new powers with the aim of rolling out the new appeals process in 2013.

Education Minister Jane Hutt said:

“These new powers of appeal, which we know children and young people with SEN want, will ensure their voices are heard when it comes to the important decisions that affect their lives and education

“By giving children and young people the entitlements that they deserve as individuals we are fulfilling our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“This is another landmark day for Wales as once again we put children’s rights and needs at the heart of Welsh Assembly Government policy.”

Keith Towler Children’s Commissioner for Wales said:

“Enabling children to have their voices heard in this process has been something which my office has long campaigned for. This highlights the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to promoting children’s rights and shows that we are one step closer in making children’s rights a reality for every child in Wales.

“We look forward to the implementation of the pilot schemes and the lessons that will inevitably result.”  

Rhiannon Ellis Walker OBE, President of the SEN Tribunal for Wales said:

“I am delighted that the Special Education Needs Tribunal for Wales is involved in the pilot for this important measure for the children of Wales . We are looking forward to working with the agencies who will be supporting Welsh children.”