Families at 'crisis point' as protest is held over cuts to additional support needs (ASN) in Highland schools
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CAMPAIGNERS opposing Highland Council cuts to additional support needs (ASN) in schools have staged a protest to highlight how many children are missing out on education.
One of the members of the group, Barbara Irvine, took around 230 pairs of kids’ shoes to the council’s HQ ahead of the latest education committee meeting. She said the shoes represented each child not currently in mainstream education because of a lack of resources.
Last year, Highland Council agreed to shed millions from ASN and a further £2.7 million this year – however new Scottish Government funding means the cuts will be limited to £1.7 million.
“This display today is to represent all the children who have a school timetable of less than 50 per cent of class time in mainstream education – those that, say, get maybe two days a week at school,” Mrs Irvine said.
“We would say the figures in the interim ASN report – stating that about a quarter of parents and a quarter of staff are concerned that children with ASN are not getting the support they need for a proper education – is probably an underestimate.
“Some of that is down to a lack of resources within the school. They don’t have the staff to cope so kids aren’t coping in school. Parents are being asked to come and pick them up where previously they would have managed in school. Kids are coming home displaying distressed behaviour and a lot of families are at crisis point and beyond.”
Related article: Highland parents want more to be done for pupils with additional support needs
