The My Rights, My Say Legal Support service provides expert legal advice and representation for children aged 12-15 with additional support needs.
This service helps when there is a disagreement about a child’s support that cannot be resolved through school meetings or discussion.
The legal team supports children to understand their rights, explore their options, and take part in decisions – including making a reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal when needed.
Find out more about My Rights, My Say’s Legal Support service
You can open the questions below for more details about the My Rights, My Say Legal Support service:
What is the My Rights, My Say Legal Support service?
The My Rights, My Say Legal Support service provides expert legal advice and representation for children aged 12-15 with additional support needs.
It helps children understand their rights and supports them if there is a disagreement about the support they receive at school.
Who can access the My Rights, My Say Legal Support service?
My Rights, My Say Legal Support is available to children in Scotland who are aged 12-15.
Our team can help any child who has additional support needs and/or a disagreement about their education.
When might someone need legal support?
Legal support may be needed when:
- Disagreements about support cannot be solved through meetings, independent adjudication or mediation
- A child wants to make a reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal
- A child needs help understanding what their rights mean in a legal process.
How can My Rights, My Say’s Legal Support service help?
The My Rights, My Say Legal Support team can:
- Explain a child’s rights and what the law says about getting support
- Give legal advice about disagreements with a school or local authority
- Help prepare documents, evidence and forms
- Represent the child in Tribunal cases, including hearings and meetings.
This support is independent and focused on what is best for the child.
How does the Legal Support service work with the rest of My Rights, My Say?
The My Rights, My Say Legal Support service works closely with the Information and Advice, Independent Advocacy and Children’s Views teams.
This means a child and their family can get:
- Accurate information and advice about children’s rights and additional support for learning (ASL)
- Help to understand and share their views
- Support to communicate their views
- Legal advice and representation, for example if the issue goes to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
All parts of the service work together to make sure children’s rights are respected.
Who provides the Legal Support service?
My Rights, My Say’s Legal Support is provided by Cairn Legal – a specialist law firm with expertise in education law.
Does it cost anything?
No.
My Rights, My Say’s Legal Support is a funded service and free at the point of access.
Cairn Legal
The My Rights, My Say Legal Service is provided by Cairn Legal.
Click the button below to visit their website and find out more.