As reported by BBC News, a watchdog says poor planning has left schools struggling to support the growing number of pupils with additional learning needs
A spending watchdog has criticised Scottish ministers and councils for failing to adequately plan for the increasing number of pupils requiring additional support in schools.
Audit Scotland’s latest report reveals that approximately 40% of Scottish students now receive Additional Support for Learning (ASL), with most of this assistance provided within mainstream schools. The report calls for a “fundamental rethink” in how the government funds and staffs ASL provisions to meet growing demand.
The Scottish government defended its efforts, stating that it had invested £1 billion in additional support needs over the past year and pledged to work alongside local councils to ensure more consistent services.
The definition of additional support needs covers a wide range of challenges, including emotional and behavioural issues, autism, disabilities, dyslexia, and language support needs. In recent years, the government has broadened this definition to include looked-after children and young carers, which it says partially accounts for the rising numbers.
General secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: “Many teachers are increasingly expected to teach children with such high and complex needs that they require almost one-on-one support, at the same time as teaching the rest of their class,” he said.
“Such a situation undermines the right of all pupils to a high-quality education and those pupils who deserve to have their additional learning needs met with specialist support.”
Teaching union NASUWT responded to the report, arguing that the policy of mainstreaming education was implemented without sufficient planning or resources. The union said the current system is “plainly not fit for purpose” and called for urgent action to address the shortfalls.
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