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Report of the Consultation on the draft Additional Support for Learning Bill
Part 4 - What happens next?
74. After introduction into the Scottish Parliament, the Bill passes through three Parliamentary Stages. A lead Committee will be assigned to scrutinise the proposals in the Bill. The Committee may invite individuals and organisations wishing to submit their views to give evidence. Other Committees in Parliament can also comment on the Bill to the lead Committee. The lead Committee will then report to the full Parliament on the general principles of the Bill and the adequacy of the consultation process. There will be a debate on this in the Parliament. This is Stage 1. If the Parliament agrees the principles of the Bill, Stage 2 proceeds with the lead Committee considering separately each and every section and schedule of the Bill. Amendments to any part of the Bill can be put forward by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and the Committee votes on whether to accept these or not. There is then another debate in the Parliament, Stage 3, when amendments can also be made, and the Parliament then votes to pass the Bill. If passed, the Bill becomes an Act once it receives Royal Assent.
75. However, that is not the end of the matter. The legislation has to be put into practice. It must be commenced (and different parts can be commenced at different times) and other secondary legislation must be considered by Parliament. The secondary legislation is the various regulations, orders and rules that the Bill provides for Scottish Ministers to make. These will set out in more detail matters relating to the Co-ordinated Support Plan, the tribunal, and transitions when a child moves schools, for example.
76. Many of the responses to the consultation were concerned with the implementation, with how the proposed system would work in practice. As a first step, an Additional Support for Learning Advisory group comprising key stakeholders has been established. This group, and its sub-groups, will advise on the operational implications of the proposals and help in the production of the secondary legislation, a Code of Practice and guidance.
77. If you have any questions about the Bill, then you can contact Enquire, the National Special Educational Needs information and advice service as detailed below:
78. If you want to comment on the Bill you can contact your MSP (you can find out who your MSP is and their contact details at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/index.htm ). Interested parties may wish to express their views directly to the lead Committee in the Parliament. If the Education Committee is selected as the lead Committee, comments should be e-mailed to martin.verity@scottish.parliament.uk.
79. Comments can also be accepted in writing, these should be addressed to:
Clerk to the Committee
Education Committee
Room 2.7, Committee Chambers
The Scottish Parliament
EDINBURGH
EH99 1SP
80. If you require a copy of the Bill and the documents that accompany
it, these should be obtained from the Parliament (see http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/bills/index.htm).
81. If you require further copies of this consultation report, they can be obtained at ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk) or by contacting:
Elaine Lane
Additional Support for Learning Bill Team
Scottish Executive Education Department
rea 3B North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Telephone 0131 244 1589
E-mail ASLBill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
This report will be available in alternative formats and community languages, please make your request to Elaine Lane, as above.
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