Parents Angry at Swinney’s Denial of Failing ASN System
John Swinney’s recent denial of any failure in the education system has sparked outrage among parents of children with additional support needs (ASN). The First Minister’s refusal to acknowledge the challenges faced by children with ASN has left families feeling ignored and frustrated.
Expert Voices Concern Over Lack of Support
Alice Cummings, a committee member at ASN Reform Scotland, expressed the deep anger felt by parents and carers regarding Mr. Swinney’s comments. Families believe that the government is not listening to their concerns, with some even describing the situation as ‘gaslighting’. The lack of acknowledgment from the First Minister regarding specific issues faced by children with ASN has only fueled the frustration.
Ms. Cummings highlighted the discrepancies between the government’s claims of record-level funding for ASN and the reality on the ground, with rising absence levels, fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and reduced funding per child with ASN. The disconnect between official statements and the lived experiences of families has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current education policies.
Call for Action and Accountability
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has urged the First Minister to face the reality of the challenges in the education system, particularly regarding ASN support. Parents and advocacy groups are demanding a change in direction to ensure that children with ASN receive the support they need to thrive in the education system.
Experts have also raised concerns about the decline in the number of legally binding education support plans for children with complex needs. Despite promises from the Scottish Government to maintain support levels, there has been a significant drop in the numbers of pupils with CSPs, leaving many children without the necessary assistance.
Government Response and Plans for Improvement
In response to the growing concerns, a Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges presented by the increasing number of children with ASN in schools. The government has allocated additional funding specifically for ASN support, including measures to enhance the recruitment and retention of the ASN workforce in schools.
While official statistics may show positive outcomes for ASN pupils, the disconnect between policy initiatives and the realities faced by families underscores the need for a more holistic approach to addressing the needs of children with ASN in the education system. Parents, teachers, and children deserve to feel supported and empowered within the education system, and it is crucial for policymakers to listen to their voices and take decisive action to ensure positive outcomes for all students.