A new report sets out the progress made to improve the
educational experiences of children and young people with
additional support needs (ASN) in schools across Scotland, with
more than 40 actions completed thus far.
Measures adopted since publication of the independent Morgan
Review in 2020 include directly involving children, young people
and their families in decisions around additional support for
learning (ASL), increasing professional learning opportunities
for teaching and support staff and setting up parent groups to
provide extra support to those who have children with ASN.
The progress report is supported by an updated action plan that
includes work now underway such as the development of a National
Measurement Framework to capture the range of success and
achievements of children and young people with ASN and a refresh
of the Code of Practice – the legal guidance used by education
authorities and others supporting children's learning.
The report comes as spending on additional support for learning
reached a record high of £926 million in 2022-23 despite on-going
difficult financial funding challenges.
Education Secretary said:
“We are determined to improve the educational experiences of
children and young people with additional support needs and make
Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. The Morgan
Review set out a clear direction to build on progress in this
area and we are working closely with COSLA to ensure the
remaining actions are completed for children with support needs
in schools across Scotland.
“The number of pupils identified with additional support needs
has increased markedly since 2010, with year on year increases.
This progress report and updated action plan shows what has been
accomplished thus far, what further work is on-going, and what
plans are in place for the next 18 months.
“While we have made good progress, there is a lot more to do and
we will continue working with COSLA, schools, parents and carers
to ensure that we are delivering fully on our pledges to children
with additional support needs and that they each get the
educational experience they deserve.”
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Tony Buchanan
said:
“This is the third Progress Report on the joint Action plan from
COSLA and Scottish Government. The Report provides an update on
activity from November 2022 through to June this year. It
highlights a number of actions which have been developed to
improve communication between schools and parents and carers, and
also highlights resources and training which have been developed
to support teachers and support staff in schools.
“Angela Morgan's 2020 Report called for the profile of
additional support for learning to be raised. The
publication of the Progress Report is one of the ways we are
doing this, and COSLA will share the Report and updated Action
Plan with our members and networks to continue to raise awareness
of steps being taken to better support schools, families and most
importantly children and young people.”
Background
Additional Support for Learning
Action Plan 3rd Progress Report
The reporting period is November 2022 to June 2024 and this
report provides a retrospective update on the progress made
during this time.
Additional Support for Learning
Review Action Plan – Update
ASL Review update for
children and young people
Additional Support for Learning
Action Plan – Progress Update for parents and carers
Angela Morgan's Review of
Additional Support for Learning Implementation
