Commentary on Sections Part 3: Miscellaneous Amendment of section 14: supporters and advocacy
89.Paragraph 13 of the schedule to the Act amends section 14(2) of the 2004 Act, the effect of which is to allow a child who is 12 years or over to have a supporter present at discussions, or an advocate to conduct discussions on the child’s behalf with the education authority regarding the child’s education provision. This request can be made only if the education authority is satisfied that (a) the wishes of the child are not unreasonable, and (b) the child has capacity to participate in discussions or make representations.