Simple terms explainer: 

Councils must make adequate and efficient provision for the additional support required for each pupil with additional support needs. When a child has attained the age of 12 years some provisions of the act can be exercised by the child if the education authority is satisfied that the child has capacity in relation to the provision. Certain persons may request that the council arrange for a child or young person to undergo a process of assessment or examination, and the council must comply. The Council must request and take account of information from appropriate agencies likely to make provisions for the pupil when they leave school. The Council has a duty to place a child with additional support needs in a school of the parents’/young person’s choice unless various statutory criteria apply and a refusal of the request is appropriate.