Section 3 – Accessibility strategies: procedure
11.This section sets out what responsible bodies will have to consider when preparing their strategies and the duties they must comply with once the strategies are in place. They must have regard to the need to allocate adequate resources to implement their strategies and they will need to consult children, young persons and parents in preparing their strategies. They will also need to have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers as regards the content and form of strategies and any additional groups or individuals who should be consulted in its preparation.
12.A responsible body will be required to send a copy of each accessibility strategy to the Scottish Ministers once it has been finalised and also to provide the Scottish Ministers with the most up-to-date copy of the strategy if this is requested. This will allow the Scottish Executive to maintain an overview of progress being made through accessibility strategies. Responsible bodies will also be required to make a copy of their strategy available for inspection at reasonable times and to make the strategy available in alternative forms on request. The Scottish Ministers may define in regulations what should be considered as an alternative form.
13.The existing powers of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (contained in sections 9 to 12 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 (asp 6)) will enable them to establish whether accessibility strategies are in place and whether they are being implemented and reviewed as required.