Throughout this week, our investigative team at The Herald delved deep into the state of additional support needs (ASN) provision in Scottish schools, aiming to unravel the question of whether we are truly ‘getting it right for every child.’
As families shared their struggles in ensuring their children’s needs are adequately met, experts shed light on major concerns, and we explored the role of specialist schools in aiding young individuals. However, a crucial aspect of understanding the reality in schools lies in analyzing the official statistics on ASN.
The Scale of the Change
The surge in overall ASN rates in Scotland has made headlines, with over 40% of school pupils now identified as having at least one additional support need. This figure has more than doubled in the past decade, far surpassing the mere 5% recorded back in 2007.
The Impact in Schools
The significant increase in pupils with ASN has major implications for school leaders and teachers, especially as funding levels struggle to keep pace with the growing demand. While councils are collectively spending close to a billion pounds annually on ASN provision, the per-pupil expenditure has declined notably.
The Classroom Dynamics
Looking into the composition of school populations, we see a drastic shift in recent years. The proportion of pupils with ASN in primary schools has soared from 4.4% in 2007 to 30.4% in 2023, with secondary schools witnessing a similar, yet even more pronounced, increase to 42.9%.
Diverse Support Needs
The range of conditions and circumstances encompassed by ‘additional support needs’ is vast, impacting children’s educational engagement. Data reveals a surge in demand for support in various areas, notably adolescent mental health and autism, demonstrating the pressing need for tailored assistance.
Support Networks Analysis
Examining the availability of ASN specialist teachers and pupil support assistants in mainstream schools, we uncover a concerning trend of dwindling specialist staff numbers, despite the escalating demand for support. Ratios between support staff and pupils needing assistance have also shown some concerning shifts over the years.
Success Beyond School
As we consider students’ post-school trajectories, the data on ‘positive destinations’ offers a glimpse into their outcomes. Notably, disparities exist in the paths taken by those with and without additional support needs, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals transitioning into higher education or employment.
In essence, the data paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of ASN provision in Scottish schools, urging stakeholders to address the burgeoning needs of young learners to ensure equitable opportunities for all. As we navigate these complexities, the ultimate goal remains clear: empowering every child to thrive in their educational journey.