Highland Council 'indifferent to the catastrophic impact' of cuts to additional support needs (ASN) provision with ‘peaceful demonstrations’ planned for Inverness, Fort William, Ullapool and Wick
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HIGHLAND Council has been accused of being "indifferent" to the consequences of planned education cuts.
The Highland Action Group for ASN and Education made the claim today as it prepares for protests in Inverness, Fort William, Ullapool and Wick on Thursday.
The group has been left incensed by a move to cutback ASN provision in the region which was passed by the council in February’s annual budget.
Last month, the council revealed that there would be “minimal impact” by the removal of around 60 pupil support assistants (PSA) positions in a bid to streamline the service which many parents feel will only undermine it – something the council denies.
Earlier this month, the group launched a petition calling on all levels of policy makers from MPs and MSPs, to councillors and the general public to demand a “halt” to council cuts to additional support needs (ASN) provision to help school pupils.
It has been signed by almost 1900 people.
The group wants no cuts take place “without a full and transparent equality impact assessment and full consultation with the public”.
It says the “peaceful demonstrations” – including one outside Highland Council headquarters in Inverness from 8.30am-2pm – are to “show our support for the ASN teachers and PSAs who provide critical support to our children, all children, to allow them to succeed at school”.
Group representative Carrie Watts said: “The council has shown that they are indifferent to the catastrophic impact on all students with the current proposal of removing more and more ASN teachers and PSAs from the classrooms and schools each year. These staff members provide stability, learning support, emotional support and encouragement to vulnerable children, allowing classroom teachers to focus on the whole class. Without them, many students will be unable to cope in the school environment."
She added: “To ensure Highland’s future generation is strong and bright, our council must do better. They must show that they know that adequate classroom support is not a want, it is a very real and immediate need.”
The council press office could not be reached for comment.
