Additional support for learning in Scotland

In short

• In Scotland, the system is called additional support for learning (ASL), not SEN, and it is set out in the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended.
• The Act covers any child or young person who needs additional support to benefit from education, which may include autistic children.
• A Coordinated Support Plan (CSP) is a formal plan for children who need significant support from more than one agency.
• Enquire, the national advice service, and Let's Talk ASN can help you.
• This guide covers Scotland only.

Additional support for learning

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 places duties on education authorities to identify and meet the additional support needs of the children and young people they educate. It also gives parents and young people rights to be involved in decisions and to ask for help.

Additional support needs is a wide term. A child may need additional support for many reasons, including autism, a health condition, family circumstances or a change in school. The Act does not require a formal diagnosis before a child can receive support. What matters is whether the child needs help to benefit from education.

Most support is given in school, without a formal plan. This can include adapted teaching, extra adult help, support with communication or sensory needs, and help with social and emotional wellbeing.

Your rights as a parent

Under the Act, parents and young people have a right to be involved in discussions about support. You can:

• ask the school to explain what support is being provided and why
• ask for information about how your child's progress is being monitored
• ask for a meeting to discuss your child's needs and the support plan
• ask the education authority for an assessment, if you think it is needed

Keep a note of meetings and agreed actions, and ask for them in writing if they are not confirmed.

Coordinated Support Plans

A Coordinated Support Plan (CSP) is a statutory plan for children and young people who need significant additional support from education and from at least one other service, such as health or social work. It sets out the child's needs, the support required, and who is responsible for providing it.

Not every child with additional support needs needs a CSP. The education authority decides whether the criteria are met after an assessment. If the authority decides a CSP is not needed, you can ask for the reasons in writing and discuss other options.

Plans are reviewed regularly. Ask how the review will be arranged and who will be invited.

Getting advice

Enquire is the national advice and information service on additional support for learning in Scotland. It helps parents, carers, young people and school staff understand the law and their options. It is a good first step if you are unsure what to ask for.

Let's Talk ASN is an advocacy and legal representation service for parents, carers and young people aged 16 and over who want to use their rights in the Additional Support Needs Tribunal. It can help you understand the process before you decide whether to go to the tribunal.

Additional Support Needs Tribunals

The Additional Support Needs Tribunal hears certain disputes about support for children and young people with additional support needs. Tribunal rights are set out in the Act. Parents, and young people aged 16 and over, have a right of reference to the tribunal in some circumstances. Before going to the tribunal, it is worth checking which decisions can be referred and what the time limits are.

Practical steps

• Start with a written request to the school, asking what support is in place.
• If the school cannot meet the need, ask the education authority for an assessment in writing.
• Keep copies of all reports, letters and emails.
• Contact Enquire or Let's Talk ASN early if the process becomes difficult.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.