Addressing additional support needs in Scottish schools – new report
Scottish government making good progress, so far completing more than 50% of the actions set out in Angela Morgan’s 2020 review of ASL.
A new report published this week by the Scottish government outlines the progress made in the past two years to improve the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) in schools across Scotland. Of 76 actions identified in the independent review of 2020 overseen by Angela Morgan, more than 40 have so far been completed.
Photo by Aaron Burden
The report covers progress made between November 2022 and June 2024, and measures adopted in that period include directly involving children, young people and their families in decisions on additional support for learning (ASL). There has been an increase in professional learning opportunities for teaching and support staff, and parent groups have been set up to provide further support to those who have children with ASN.
The new progress report – the third since the review was published – is supported by an updated action plan setting out the work still to be completed. This includes initiatives already under way, such as the development of a national measurement framework to capture the full range of achievements of children and young people with ASN. The code of practice – the legal guidance used by education authorities and others supporting children’s learning – will also be refreshed.
In Scotland, spending on ASL reached a record high of £926m in 2022-23, despite ongoing financial challenges.
Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, says: ‘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.’
Tony Buchanan, Spokesperson for Children and Young People at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), adds: ‘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.’
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