Children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) are being denied the tailored support and range of educational options they deserve, the Annual Conference of NASUWT Scotland, the fastest growing teachers’ union in Scotland and the largest in the UK, has heard.

Teachers at the Conference, which continues today (Saturday) at the NASUWT Scotland National Centre in Edinburgh, have warned that the Scottish Government’s aim to close the attainment gap will be undermined if all children cannot be educated in settings which are appropriate to their needs and which have adequate support for every pupil.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“Teachers are increasingly concerned that support for pupils with ASN is being cut in many areas, with the resultant impact on pupils’ ability to thrive and succeed.

“Combined with the ‘presumption of mainstream’ policy, which means that children with ASN, expect in certain circumstances, will be taught in mainstream schools, rather than special schools, there is a real worry that dedicated provision and resources designed to meet the needs of these pupils is being lost.

“Teachers and schools will always strive to do their best for every child they teach, but it is unacceptable for them to be expected to meet the needs of pupils without the necessary resources.

“The system is failing the pupils with ASN, other pupils in their classes and the teachers working to support them.

“The entitlement of pupils with ASN to have all barriers to their educational progress removed is being seriously compromised.”

Jane Peckham, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:

“Supporting all ASN children and young people requires investment in tailored services and settings to ensure there is equality of both opportunity and choice for all children and young people.

“The Scottish Government must live up to its promise of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’.”