Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 the views of children should be taken in to account when major decisions are being made which will affect their lives. Generally children over 12 are presumed in law to have a view but younger children may also be mature enough to have a view and should be given the opportunity to express it.

While schools may not be bound by this they do consult with their pupils and the methods used should be included in the handbook. This could include formal consultation through Pupil Councils, pupils co-opted to School Boards, questionnaires, suggestion boxes, review and planning meetings, as well as arrangements to consult with individual pupils at appropriate times (subject choice, exclusions etc).