I was very keen for HMIE to undertake this task. The Additional Support for Learning Act is a key piece of legislation in Scotland’s efforts to achieve a more inclusive society and to give all young people the access to the learning opportunities they need in order to meet their potential. The Act also has a key role to play in the day-to-day preventative action that schools can take to be inclusive and to avoid longer-term blights such as the risk of not being in education, employment or training when they move on from school.
This report recognises that education authorities and schools have taken significant steps towards ensuring that all children and young people receive a more personalised education aimed at maximising success for all. The importance of intervention at the early stages, as well as prompt intervention at all stages is widely recognised by authorities. We have many examples of good practice in which authorities use multi-agency approaches to identify and meet the needs of children and families. Within schools, we have seen the importance of groups of professionals working closely together to improve the services they provide in meeting the learning needs of children and young people. In that respect, the role of professionals such as school nurses, family support workers and home-school link officers adds an invaluable dimension.
However, I am concerned that different interpretations of the legislation across authorities can lead to inconsistencies in implementing the Code of Practice associated with the Act. We need to resolve any such confusion by providing additional guidance where required. One aim of any further or improved guidance must be to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach to managing decisions about co-ordinated support plans for all who need them. Partnerships between agencies and schools are beginning to have a positive effect on the educational experiences of younger children. However, fully effective systems have yet to be put in place for identifying and meeting the needs of vulnerable young people who have ongoing support needs beyond school age, particularly those with learning disabilities, and looked after and accommodated children.
Helpfully, this report identifies ways in which the Scottish Government, authorities and schools can take action to improve the quality of partnership working between agencies, and the support provided for children and young people with additional support needs. Such improvements are necessary to ensure that we maximise everyone’s potential and reduce barriers to learning. By doing so, we can improve the life chances, health, wealth and access to learning of all our young people.
Graham Donaldson
HM Senior Chief Inspector
October 2007