Written Question · S4W-18987 · Session 4
What the definition is of a pupil with additional support needs and whether this has changed since the 2010 edition of the Summary Statisti…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what the definition is of a pupil with additional support needs and whether this has changed since the 2010 edition of the Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland was published.
The answer
Additional support needs is defined by the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 (as amended). The definition and guidance on the definition is available from the code of practice on additional support for learning available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/04/04090720/5. The definition has been in place since the commencement of the legislation in 2005.
However, the way in which statistics about additional support for learning are collected was changed in 2010. Prior to 2010, only pupils with co-ordinated support plans, individual educational programmes or who were attending a special school were recorded as having additional support needs. However, in 2010 this was extended to include anyone receiving additional support, regardless of whether it was under a formal plan. This led to a large increase in the number of pupils recorded with additional support needs since 2010.
However, the way in which statistics about additional support for learning are collected was changed in 2010. Prior to 2010, only pupils with co-ordinated support plans, individual educational programmes or who were attending a special school were recorded as having additional support needs. However, in 2010 this was extended to include anyone receiving additional support, regardless of whether it was under a formal plan. This led to a large increase in the number of pupils recorded with additional support needs since 2010.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-18987 by reference.