PART 1EDUCATION APPEALS AND CLAIMS BY CHILDREN
Special educational needs appeals
6Independent advocacy services
1
The Education Act 1996 (c. 56) is amended in accordance with this section.
2
After section 332BA insert the following—
332BBIndependent advocacy services — Wales
1
Every F1local authority in Wales must—
a
make arrangements for the provision of independent advocacy services in their area;
b
refer any child in their area who requests independent advocacy services to a service provider;
c
refer any person who is a case friend for a child in their area and who requests independent advocacy services to a service provider.
2
In this section “independent advocacy services” are services providing advice and assistance (by way of representation or otherwise) to a child—
a
making, or intending to make an appeal to the Tribunal under section 332ZA, or
b
considering whether to appeal to the Tribunal under that section, or
c
taking part in or intending to take part in dispute resolution arrangements made under section 332BA.
3
In making arrangements under this section, every F1local authority must have regard to the principle that any services provided under the arrangements must be independent of any person who is—
a
the subject of an appeal to the Tribunal, or
b
involved in investigating or adjudicating on such an appeal.
4
The arrangements must comply with any provisions made in regulations by the Welsh Ministers that relate to the arrangements.
5
Every F1local authority in Wales must take such steps as they consider appropriate for making the arrangements under this section known to—
a
children in their area,
b
parents of children in their area,
c
head teachers and proprietors of schools in their area, and
d
such other persons as they consider appropriate.
6
The arrangements may include provision for payments to be made to, or in relation to, any person carrying out functions in accordance with the arrangements.
7
A F1local authority must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Welsh Ministers.