Young people aged 12 and over have the right to request and be involved in decisions about co-ordinated support plans (CSPs).
This page explains more about CSPs and how My Rights, My Say can support 12–15 year olds through the process.
What is a CSP?
A CSP is a legal document used in Scotland to support children and young people who require significant additional support both at school and from at least one other person outside of school (such as a social worker or health specialist).
CSPs are used where support is expected to last for more than one year.
If a child does not meet the criteria, they are not entitled to a CSP. However, the local authority still has a legal duty to plan and provide them with the support they need, even without a CSP.
What does a CSP do?
A CSP is designed to make sure that all the people supporting a child or young person are working well together. As a CSP is a legal plan, everyone named in it must carry out the support they are responsible for.
Does a CSP change a learners’ rights to support?
A CSP is the only legal education support plan used in Scotland. This means the support written into a CSP must be provided. The plan must also be reviewed at least annually.
A CSP gives children and young people, and their families, more security. They have a right to take concerns relating to the content or delivery of support in a CSP to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
A co-ordinated support plan does not change a child’s right to additional support. Learners who need extra help at school have the right to get the support they need, with or without a CSP.
How can I request a CSP?
Children aged 12 or older who understand what it means, have the right to request a CSP themselves. My Rights, My Say can support in this process.
Parents and carers also have the right to make a formal request for their child to be assessed for a CSP. This is done by contacting the local authority directly and asking for an assessment of whether their child meets the criteria.
How can My Rights, My Say help me with a CSP?
A My Rights, My Say advocacy worker can support a young person to understand their right to be involved in decisions about support.
They can speak to the school about an existing CSP or they can support a young person to request a new CSP. They can also help if a child wants to challenge a decision, including taking a disagreement to the Tribunal.
Where can I find out more about CSPs?
Enquire is Scotland’s advice service for additional support for learning (ASL). They have lots of information about CSPs available on their website.
My Rights, My Say has a child-friendly guide to Co-ordinated Support Plans Guide – My Rights, My Say