The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 places duties on local authorities, and other agencies, to provide additional support where needed to enable any child or young person to benefit from education.
A very wide range of factors may lead to children and young people having a need for additional support. These factors fall broadly into four overlapping themes: learning environment, family circumstances, disability or health need, and social and emotional factors.
The amendments to the 2004 Act commenced in November 2010. A revised version of Supporting Children's Learning: Code of Practice has been published to reflect these changes.
The Additional Support for Learning legislation provides the framework underpinning the system in Scotland for supporting children and young people in their education, and their families. This framework is inclusive in its approach and is based on the concept of additional support needs. This term applies to children and young people who, for whatever reason, require additional support, long or short term, to help them make the most of education.
Additional support needs can be short or long term. For instance, additional support may be required for a child or young person who for example:
- is being bullied
- has behavioural or learning difficulties
- is deaf or blind
- is particularly gifted
- is bereaved
- is not a regular attendee
- is looked after by a local authority.
The rights of children with additional support needs (ASN) and their parents have been strengthened through changes to the original 2004 Act introduced by the Additional Support for Learning Act 2009.
CPD resources have been developed to reflect the principles of inclusion and partnership working highlighted in both the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004, as amended, and the revised Code of Practice.
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