Home   News   Article

Highland Council defends itself after EIS survey indicates staff concerns over cuts to additional support needs (ASN) support


By Gregor White

Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Highland Council.
Highland Council.

Highland Council says the region continues to have one of the highest levels of resource allocated to ASN in the country, even after cuts this year.

They were responding to a survey by the EIS Highland Local Association where 91 per cent of respondents said they had noticed an increase in workload since a reduction in the number of pupil support assistants employed within schools.

Teachers also reported having to spend more time during lessons with pupils who need support, at the expense of other pupils.

A spokesman for Highland Council said: "We have not received this report nor had the opportunity to review how many took part in this survey.

"The facts remain however that Highland continues to have one of the highest levels of resource allocated to ASN in the country.

"We have been tackling inconsistency in allocations in our schools and this has actually led to some schools having been allocated more resource since last year.

"Work is currently underway to review the ASN model of allocation and this is involving staff, parent and pupil groups – and this work will report back in 2020. All of our young people remain at the core of our daily planning and delivery."

Related article: Highland pupils who need support are suffering following the reduction of additional support needs (ASN) by Highland Council according to the EIS education union


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More