Raising attainment for all children: Supporting children with additional support needs and the role

of Parent Councils 

Cat Thomson

Additional Support for

Learning

Getting it Right for

Every Child

Named person National

Improvement Framework

Children’s learning and attainment

Children and Young People’s

Act

Education Bill

Curriculum for Excellence

What do you think are common myths or misunderstandings about additional

support for learning?

Enquire ASL Myths

Pupils with additional support needs cannot be excluded from school

Children attending pre-school or nursery who have additional support needs have the right to a full-time place

Having a co-ordinated support plan means a child will automatically have more support put in place

Education authorities must accept the findings of private assessments and act on recommendations in them

Children under the age of five are not eligible for additional support for learning

All looked after children should have a co-ordinated support plan

 National Parent Forum Scotland

ASL survey 2015

423 responses to the ASL survey. Parents of children witha wide range of Additional Support Needs, in a variety of educational settings were represented (74% in mainstream primary or secondary). Responses from every local authority in Scotland.

 ASL survey 2015

36% of respondents participated in their school’s parent council. Parents who did not participate explained that the times the meetings are held are unsuitable but also that they do not feel the meetings are productive for ASN parents:‘I would be a minority voice’‘Parent council have not been very supportive to ASN issues’‘Additional support needs are never discussed at PC meetings’.

 Survey suggestions:

- One named teacher or a key contact would be helpful for parents.- Written correspondence just for the parents of children with ASN children would be useful, for example targeted newsletters.- ASN to be an agenda item at every parent council meeting.- At least one ASN parent on the parent council.

What does Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) mean to you and the parents you know?

What still needs to be communicated?

Named Person and ASL

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright/named-person/top-ten

Examples•A Named Person does not replace or change the role of a parent or carer, or undermine families•The Named Person will not be a social worker•The Named Person is not a State Guardian

The Named Person and additional support needs – things to consider

- Assisting better information exchange- Other roles – lead professional and CSP co-ordinator- Single child’s plans

Attainment and children with additional support needs – what should the improvement framework consider?

- Communication with parents- Adaptability and flexibility- Supporting improvement in educational outcomes

“The Framework contains little mention of how it will impact on children with additional support needs, and their parents. The prospect of testing is likely to create additional worry for parents of children with ASN. The only reference in the Framework to ASN is to children with complex additional needs, but ASN covers a far broader range of needs than this. Children with ASN should not be disadvantaged by a test that does not meet their needs.“

NPFS Evidence to the Education and Culture CommitteeEducation (Scotland) Bill 2015November 2015

Think about the question or issue you have and what you would like the school to do. Think about whether this is something that the school can do or needs to be discussed with a member of staff from the local council.

What difference are you looking for for your child?

Voicing concerns – supporting parents to raise matters with schools

• Accessible communication • Clear information • Trusted professionals• Whole school community approach• Understanding the emotional impact of caring for

a child with additional support needs• Flexibility in approach

What makes a difference for families

What does it look like in your school?

How can the Parent Council help?

Successful communication with schools

- Enquire Parents’ guide to additional support for learning- www.enquire.org.uk- Parentzone/additional needs- There is an NPFS representative at national level groups such as the Advisory Group Additional Support for Learning

Useful resources for parents

Why information and advice helps

“I felt I was listened to, which was great. I was given lots of good advice and I feel like I’m making progress

with my situation.”

Parent