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