MSP comments on report findings on support needs

GALLOWAY and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has responded to the findings of the latest School Leaders Scotland (SLS) report on Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision in secondary schools.

It highlights the growing pressures faced by teachers and school leaders across Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway.

In this area, as in many parts of Scotland, schools are seeing increasing levels of pupils with challenging behaviour, staff stress, and reduced support due to budget constraints.

Mr Carson said: “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of the reality in our classrooms.

“Teachers and school leaders in Dumfries and Galloway are doing their utmost to support every child, but they are being stretched beyond capacity. The current system is not sustainable.”

The report shows that while applications for specialised provision have risen significantly, the percentage of successful placements has dropped from 51 per cent to just 33 per cent over three years. Many pupils who would benefit from targeted support are remaining in mainstream settings without the necessary resources.

Mr Carson added: “We need to face facts. The SNP Government has failed to provide the funding and staffing needed to support inclusion properly. That’s why I fully support our call to recruit 1000 additional classroom assistants to ease the burden on teachers and improve outcomes for pupils with ASN.”

He also recognised the innovation and dedication of ASN staff in local schools, using bespoke timetables, Pupil Equity Funding, and community partnerships to support vulnerable learners.

However, he warned that these interventions are not sustainable without increased investment and support from senior management teams.

“Dumfries and Galloway has a long tradition of inclusive education, but it is becoming increasingly clear that every child is not receiving the support they need to thrive. We need to listen to ASN staff and families, invest in more ASN staff, and ensuring that specialised provision is accessible to those who need it most,” added the MSP.

Finlay Carson is calling on the Scottish Government to act on the findings of the SLS report and commit to a national strategy that “delivers consistent, properly resourced ASN support across all local authorities.”