Commentary on Sections Part 2 – Disability Discrimination in Education Chapter 1 – Schools Section 17: Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
87.Subsection (1) of this section amends the DDA by inserting a new section 28H to change the name of the SENT to the SENDIST and extend the jurisdiction of the SENT to hear cases of disability discrimination in schools. The jurisdiction of the SENDIST will only extend to England and Wales (as does the jurisdiction of the SENT). Rights of redress in Scotland will be through the sheriff court. Cases of disability discrimination under Part 3 of the DDA are heard through the courts and cases under Chapter 2 (further and higher education) of the new Part 4 will also be heard through the courts.
88.Subsection (2) provides that there is no requirement to consult disability organisations on appointments to the lay panel. The lay panel is a panel of persons who may serve as the other two members of the Tribunal with the legally qualified chairman (subsection (3)).