Glasgow Education Law - Request an Assessment

Education Scotland 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, parents and carers seeking statutory assessment or additional support for a child should follow the local authority procedures for Additional Support for Learning (ASL). Glasgow City Council sets local practice for assessments and co-ordinated support, with statutory framework provided by Scottish law and guidance.[1]

What this covers

This article explains how to request an assessment, who to contact at Glasgow City Council, likely timescales, appeals and practical steps to prepare evidence. It clarifies that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are not the mechanism used in Scotland; instead parents and carers engage with ASL statutory assessment and, where relevant, Co-ordinated Support Plans or tribunal routes.[3]

Who is responsible

Glasgow City Council Education Services (Children and Families Directorate) is the enforcing local authority responsible for assessment decisions, provision of additional support and arranging any statutory meetings.

How to request an assessment

  • Talk first to your childs school or early years provider to raise concerns and request a meeting.
  • Make a written request to Glasgow City Council Education Services asking for a statutory assessment or review; include relevant evidence such as school reports, health or therapy letters.
  • Use the council contact route for ASN enquiries if the school cannot resolve the matter.
Start with the school; many issues are resolved without a formal assessment.

Penalties & Enforcement

Statutory education duties in Scotland are enforced through administrative review and tribunal processes rather than monetary penalties imposed on parents or pupils. Specific fines or per-day monetary penalties for failure to assess or provide ASL are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement is primarily remedial through decisions, orders or tribunal determinations.[2]

  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council Education Services or designated ASL officers handle compliance and decisions.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: complaints and dispute resolution can be taken to the council first, then to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland for certain disputes.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: local review, formal complaint, tribunal application; specific escalation monetary ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, placement determinations, tribunal decisions and requirements to provide resources or support.
If you are refused assessment, start the formal complaints process promptly.

Applications & Forms

There is no national EHCP form in Scotland; Glasgow City Council provides guidance on making requests and the council manages any local forms or information requests. Where a specific application form exists it is published by the council; if a named form or fee is required that detail is noted on the council page or guidance documents, otherwise it is not specified on the cited pages.[1]

Action steps

  • Step 1: Arrange a meeting with the school and request a written record of concerns and agreed actions.
  • Step 2: Send a written request to Glasgow City Council Education Services for a statutory assessment, enclosing evidence.
  • Step 3: If dissatisfied with the council decision, follow the councils internal complaints and review process, then consider tribunal application where eligible.
Keep copies of all letters and reports; they form the evidence base for any assessment or appeal.

FAQ

How long does a statutory assessment take in Glasgow?
Timescales vary; specific statutory time limits are set in Scottish guidance and local practice, but detailed local timescales should be confirmed with Glasgow City Council Education Services.
Can I request an EHCP in Scotland?
EHCPs are the mechanism used in England; in Scotland you should request assessment under Additional Support for Learning and pursue Co-ordinated Support Plans or tribunal routes as required.
Who can apply for an assessment?
Parents, carers, the child (if appropriate), the school or a relevant health professional can instigate a request; Glasgow City Council will record and process written requests.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: school reports, observations, health or therapy notes.
  2. Request a meeting with the school and ask for agreed actions in writing.
  3. Write to Glasgow City Council Education Services requesting a statutory assessment and attach evidence.
  4. If the council refuses or you disagree, follow the complaints procedure and consider tribunal appeal where eligible.

Key Takeaways

  • EHCPs are not used in Scotland; use ASL statutory assessment routes through Glasgow City Council.
  • Begin with the school, keep written records and submit evidence with any formal request.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council  Additional support needs
  2. [2] Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland
  3. [3] Scottish Government  Additional Support for Learning

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