Additional Support For Learning

Additional Support For Learning

19/03/2004

The Scottish Executive has just introduced a bill to the Scottish Parliament that will change the way children and young people will be supported through school. The Record of Needs process has been abolished and the bill places new duties on local authorities to meet the needs of young people that require additional support to learn. Capability Scotland has some key concerns about the bill and will be lobbying MSP's to make changes to the bill.

1. Assessment
Under the bill proposals there is no provision for a multi-professional assessment of children with additional support needs. The bill is intended to provide flexibility and to ensure that children do not have to undergo unnecessary assessments. Capability Scotland want to make sure that young people are given all the assessments that they need to ensure that they receive the best possible service.

2. Cost
The bill lays in law the right for Education Authorities to avoid providing 'adequate and effective provision' if it is not 'practicable at reasonable cost.' Although this is a situation that parents would already be familiar with, the bill actually puts it in law. Capability Scotland is very concerned about this. If the bill remains the same then we want to make sure that we can do all we can to ensure that the Code of Practice details very clearly what education authorities are expected to provide.

BR>3. Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSP)
Children who have complex or multiple needs and require services outside of the Education Authority are entitled to a CSP. This document co-ordinates the support and details what support an individual is entitled to. Children who do not qualify for a CSP will not receive a plan for the co-ordination of their support or a guarantee of resources. The decision of who gets a CSP is in the hands of the Education Authority. Capability Scotland is concerned that there will be a large number of children who will not be entitled to a CSP but still require significant co-ordination of resources and services. We will be lobbying to ensure that every child with additional support needs, regardless of whether or not they have a CSP, will be entitled to the aids and services they require to benefit from education.

If you have any questions and comments please contact ppam@capability-scotland.org.uk

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