I.S.E.A was established in 1998 by parents to provide free, independent advice, information and support to parents who have a child/young person with special educational needs.

We have helped families from all 32 Local Authority areas on all aspects of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (as amended) and in regulations made under the Act which govern the education of children/young people with special educational needs in Scotland e.g. assessment, recording, placements, appeals etc.

As a review into Special Education in 1998, the Scottish parliament has passed new legislation "Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2004" which replaces significant parts of the 1984 Act, for example:

• The term Special Educational Needs will be replaced by Additional Support Needs.
• Record of Needs will no longer exist.
• Criteria for additional support needs has been widened (not just for children with a disability).
• There will be Co-ordinated Support Plans.
• Placing requests can be made for any child or young person who has been identified as having additional support needs
• New Mediation, Dispute Resolution and Tribunal services.
• Changes made to the Legal Rights of parents, children/young people.