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Parents concerned over delay to Highland Council report on cuts to additional support needs (ASN) provision


By Scott Maclennan

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Parents previously lobbied councillors over cuts to ASN provision in Highland schools.
Parents previously lobbied councillors over cuts to ASN provision in Highland schools.

A support group has spoken out after the publication of a report into Highland ASN provision was delayed.

The report was to have been released to Highland councillors in January, before being discussed by the education committee on February 27 – but has now been pushed back to May.

Detailing the results of consultations with parents and staff over cuts to dozens of ASN teacher and support posts, the Highland Action Group for ASN and Education has hit out at the delay and raised concerns about staff leading the consultation being moved on to other roles before the report is finalised.

The group, which represents parents and carers of those with children identified as in need of additional support, said: “This does not instil faith in those who have an invested interest in educational matters and there is a sense of gloom as to the culture that goes on within Highland Council that staff appear to move or leave so frequently."

A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The purpose of the report in May will be to put forward a new model based on professional research, outward practice, and feedback from engagement and consultation with all key stakeholders.

"The council has put in additional resource to enhance the work and extended the timeline due to the importance of this work.”

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