Vital we identify youngsters with additional support needs
Ross Greer MSP, Education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (2 Aug) backed concerns that thousands of children with Additional Support Needs may not be getting the support they are entitled to.
Figures suggest a ‘postcode lottery’ of care, with neighbouring local authorities recording very different proportions of pupils with Additional Support Needs.
For example, the proportion of pupils in Glasgow is 29.8% while in North Lanarkshire it's only 8.0%.
Ross Greer MSP said:
“To see such wide variations in data suggests some local authorities are better than others at identifying youngsters with additional support needs. Greens have long called for investment in ASN to be a priority, rather than national testing, especially as ASN disproportionately affects children from lower income households. Parents, pupils and teachers are being let down as the squeeze on public funds disgracefully targets ASN as a soft option.
“If we’re serious about closing the attainment gap we must listen to those working with children who are being denied adequate funding to address learning difficulties, speech and behaviour and conditions such as autism. Scottish Ministers must work closely with local education authorities to ensure those who need help are identified. We cannot allow young people to miss out on the support they need to thrive in our schools.”