Useful information

Useful information

Government Benefits
Other grants and income
Education
Travel and out and about tips
Suggested places to visit
ASN specific activity sessions
Sensory and safety equipment and AAC devices
Clothing and bedding
In an emergency
Other sources of support and information

Government Benefits

You can no longer apply for:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Carers Allowance

Any new applications for disability benefits should be either for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment, and for carer support any new applications should be for the Carer Support Payment.

This section covers benefits that are available for those who are carers in Scotland, or that they can apply for on behalf of the person they care for. Some of these are based on income and some (such as Child and Adult Disability Payment) are based on needs so there are no questions about current income. There may be other support available such as heating and clothing grants, or help with council tax. There are many agencies who can help with benefit checks and completing application forms, these can be found in the last section..

  • Child Disability Benefit is provided by the Scottish Government for children under age 16 with a physical or mental disability. The decision and application process is run by Social Security Scotland.
  • You cannot claim both CDP and Disability Living Allowance for the same child, you can only claim one of these.
  • The benefit is needs based, not income based, so it doesn’t matter if you are working or what level of income you have.
  • No diagnosis is required however they will be looking for evidence from professionals that they agree with the statements you have given, so any speech and language assessments, paediatrician reports etc are very helpful. If you do not have evidence you can ask the nursery or school to write a report based on the questions in the form and send this with the application. The responsibility to provide evidence sits with you.
  • The form is quite lengthy and covers a wide range of behaviours, emotional development and learning, both during the day and at night. There are agencies who can help with the form, these are listed in the section below. There is a guide to help with the form and some of the terminology used here: https://contact.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Claiming-Child-Disability-Payment.pdf
  • The assessment team will review the form and make two decisions; what rate will be provided for the care element, and what rate will be provided for the mobility element. The current rates can be found on their website: https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment
  • The payment is backdated to the date you apply even though the process can take 3-6 months for a decision to be made.
  • Once the decision is made an outcome letter will be sent to you; this can be used as evidence to apply for things like a companion bus pass or parking blue badge.
  • If you are unhappy with the decision you can apply for a redetermination where the case will be looked at by a different team. There is a risk that team may decide on a lower rate than you were previously offered, but if you are unhappy with the redetermination you can ask for that decision to be looked at again.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment/how-to-apply) or you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and ask for a paper application.
  • If you receive the enhanced mobility rate you can apply to lease a mobility car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability scheme. The benefit is paid directly to Motability on your behalf in exchange for the vehicle you receive. 
  • Adult Disability Payment is provided by the Scottish Government for adults age 16 and over with a physical or mental disability. The decision and application process is run by Social Security Scotland.
  • You cannot claim both ADP and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults.
  • The benefit is needs based, not income based, so it doesn’t matter if you are working or what level of income you have.
  • No diagnosis is required however they will be looking for evidence from professionals that they agree with the statements you have given, so any speech and language assessments, paediatrician reports etc are very helpful. If you do not have evidence you can ask the school or college to write a report based on the questions in the form and send this with the application. The responsibility to provide evidence sits with you.
  • The form is quite lengthy and covers a wide range of support and mobility needs, both during the day and at night. There are agencies who can help with the form, these are listed in the section below. There is a guide to help with the form and some of the terminology used here: https://contact.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Adult-Disability-Payment-Scotland.pdf
  • The assessment team will review the form and make two decisions; what rate will be provided for the daily living element, and what rate will be provided for the mobility element. The current rates can be found on their website: https://www.mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment
  • The payment is backdated to the date you apply even though the process can take 3-6 months for a decision to be made. NOTE: even if your child received Child Disability Payment (CDP) you need to submit a new application for Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Receiving CDP gives no indication on what rate of ADP they will receive and will be assessed by a different team at Social Security Scotland. The process can take several months; you can apply any time from when they are 15, soon to turn 16,  until their 18th birthday. If your application is successful,  you will not have any gaps between payments and they will continue to receive CDP while the decision is made on their ADP application.
  • Once the decision is made an outcome letter will be sent to you.
  • If you are unhappy with the decision you can apply for a redetermination where the case will be looked at by a different team. There is a risk that team may decide on a lower rate than you were previously offered, but if you are unhappy with the redetermination you can ask for that decision to be looked at again.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment/how-to-apply) or you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and ask for a paper application.
  • If you receive the enhanced mobility rate you can apply to lease a mobility car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability scheme. The benefit is paid directly to Motability on your behalf in exchange for the vehicle you receive. 
  • You cannot apply for Scottish Adult DLA. It is only available to those who were on DLA prior to March 2025. Over 2025 those on DLA were moved to Scottish Adult DLA. In England and Wales people receiving DLA were moved to a Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
  • Scottish Adult DLA is made up of the same 2 components, or parts, as DLA: care and mobility.
  • If you are receiving DLA you cannot apply for Child or Adult Disability Payment.
  • You can find out more about Scottish Adult DLA here: https://www.mygov.scot/moving-to-scottish-adult-dla
  • Self-directed Support (SDS) is a way of arranging social care that is designed to give you more choice and control over how your support is arranged and delivered. Instead of the council making all the decisions, SDS lets you choose the kind of support you get, decide who provides it, and arrange it in a way that suits your life. You can choose to manage your support yourself, let the council do it, or a mix of both.
  • Your local authority has a duty to assess children under sections 22 and 23 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (Children (Scotland) Act 1995).
  • This does not mean that a budget is guaranteed but you have the right to apply for a budget from Social Work, for both your child and yourself as a carer. It can take some time to go through various panels to agree a budget and you need to complete a document stating what supports your child needs such as a support worker to take them out, improvements to make your home safe or specialist equipment amongst other things.
  • Our families report that this is not widely advertised by Social Work, or they receive push back on applying. There are suggestions that there is a minimum age and no budget available until age 8 but this is not correct, and any age can be considered if you can demonstrate what the needs are and what would help support them.
  • It is likely that the more complex your child’s needs and family circumstances the more of a budget you can apply for, however the initial application needs to be completed by a Social Work, their supervisor needs to agree to submit it to their local Social Work group, and then there will be a series of panels and committees taking 12- 18 months before any budget would be received. 
  • Each council sets their own rules for who can get this support. Your local council will ask questions to find out what you need support with. This is known as an assessment of needs. The council will then decide if you can get support through SDS.  
  • If you either request a social worker, or are referred to social work, they by law need to carry out an assessment of the child/adult’s needs and they should also assess the carers needs. This may in turn lead to a support plan for the child with a budget attached; you could spend it on play equipment, a sensory garden, respite or personal assistants/support workers. You can fill out the assessment of needs yourself, hand it to the social worker and ask for it to be assessed. Social Work cannot refuse to carry out the assessment of needs, this is a legal right.
  • There’s an agreement with Lanarkshire Carers to do the adult carers support plan for children with low to moderate needs and Social Work for critical to substantial, however as a charity Lanarkshire Carers has capacity issues at times. The adult carers support plan may also then lead to an adult SDS budget being awarded through the Social Work process.
  • A guide to SDS can be found here: https://handbook.scot/sds-handbook/article/self-directed-support-budget-as-part-of-your-childs-support/
  • North Lanarkshire SDS page: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/children-and-families/self-directed-support-for-children
  • South Lanarkshire SDS page: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200227/care_for_the_elderly/985/self-directed_support
  • If you receive SDS, are aged 16 or over you may also be able to get up to £330 per week from the Independent Living Fund. Only Social Workers can apply for this for you, more information is here: https://www.mygov.scot/independent-living-fund-scotland
  • This grant can provide support to help people work by providing money for things like specialist equipment or software, support workers, and costs of travelling to work if public transport can’t be used. You can also request a grant for interview support for a BSL interpreter, lipreader, or other communication support.
  • Is it available for age 16 up, in paid work (full or part time). No diagnosis is required.
  • The grant does not affect any other benefits and does not need to be repaid.
  • Your workplace can include your home if you work from there some or all of the time.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply) or you can call the Access to Work helpline on 0800 121 7479 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and they will take the required details to apply over the phone.
  • Mental health support is also available, such as 1:1 sessions with a mental health professional. You can only apply for this once, to either Able Futures (https://able-futures.co.uk/individuals) or Maximus (https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk/)
  • Carer Support Payment is money to help you if you’re a carer. You can get paid £83.30 a week if you’re eligible, paid every 4 weeks.
  • Carer Support Payment replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. It became available across Scotland from November 2024, and from November 2025 everyone was moved to the new payment.
  • To get Carer Support Payment your ‘take home pay’ cannot be more than £196 a week (your take home pay is what’s left after you’ve paid tax, National Insurance and expenses such as childcare costs while you work. Social Security Scotland will receive details of your pay from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)). £196 a week is based on an average so it’s okay if sometimes your pay is higher than this.
  • You must also be 16 or over and provide care for 35 hours or more a week.
  • You do not have to live with the person you care for or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, there are no extra payments.
  • If you get Carer Support Payment, you may get Carer’s Allowance Supplement twice a year (see section below) and a Christmas Bonus (one-off tax-free £10 payment paid at the start of December – see https://www.gov.uk/christmas-bonus)
  • NOTE if you receive Universal Credit: Carer Support Payment is counted as income for Universal Credit so you may get less money from DWP for Universal Credit if you’re awarded Carer Support Payment. The government website states ‘You’ll usually be better off overall if you get Carer Support Payment and your income-related benefits. And if you get Carer Support Payment, you’ll also get Carer’s Allowance Supplement’.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/how-to-apply), by printing and completing the application form (https://www.mygov.scot/binaries/mygov/browse/benefits/carers/carer-support-payment-documents-page/carer-support-payment-application-form/carer-support-payment-application-form/publishing%3Adocuments/publishing%3Adocument/COMMS-Carer+Support+Payment+-V4-June+2025+MONO+2.pdf) or you can call the Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and they will take the required details to apply over the phone.
  • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on a particular date. For example those who received the December 2025 payment had to have received Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance in October 2025.
  • The carer’s element of Universal Credit is not a qualifying benefit on its own. You must be receiving payment of Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance to qualify for Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
  • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid 2 times a year in June and December.
  • From March 2026, Scottish Carer Supplement will replace Carer’s Allowance Supplement, which will be an extra payment awarded automatically to carers in receipt of Carer Support Payment.
  • You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. ESA gives you money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work and support to get back into work if you’re able to.
  • Incapacity Benefit is being replaced with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
  • You might be able to get Universal Creditat the same time or instead of New Style ESA. If you get both benefits, your Universal Credit payment is reduced by the amount you get for New Style ESA.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim ), or by contacting JobCentre Plus (phone 0800 055 6688)
  • Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers (age 16, 17 or 18) in Scotland.
  • You can get Young Carer Grant once a year, up until you turn 20. You’ll need to fill in a new form or call Social Security Scotland each year you want to apply.
  • To qualify they must have been caring for 1, 2 or 3 people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last 3 months. If you care for more than one person, you can combine the hours of the people you care for to average 16 hours a week.
  • The payment is not means tested and can be spent on whatever the young carer wants; they do not need to share details of how it is spent.
  • You will not be able to get Young Carer Grant if you’re already getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
  • The form can be completed online (https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant/how-to-apply) or you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and ask for a paper application.

You can use one of these independent benefit calculators to find out what benefits you could get, how to claim and how your benefits will be affected if you start work. The information you provide in the calculators is not shared anywhere so will not impact any benefits you currently receive.

 

 

The agencies listed below can help with benefit checks or completing application forms. Many are free, or ask for a donation to their work if possible (but not compulsory).

Other grants and income

This page does not cover Government benefits such as Child Disability Payment. These are covered under a separate ‘Government benefits’ section. 

Councils offer a range of reductions for council tax bills for different circumstances. Some which may be relevant are: 

  • Carer reduction: if you are providing at least 35 hours care and living with the person you care for; they cannot be your partner or a child under age 18
  • Disability Persons Reduction: someone in household is substantially and permanently disabled and the house has had to be modified as a result
  • Severely Mentally Impaired Person: is an adult in the household has a permanent and severe learning disability or mental health impairment 

 More information can be found on the council websites:

For the sections below if you click on the name of the provider you are interested in it will take you to their website.

  • Barchester’s Charitable Foundation: provides grants to adults 18 + with a physical disability, learning disability, or mental health condition. Grants of £100-£600 are given towards the cost of buying or adapting mobility equipment for outdoor use. This includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, bikes/trikes and car adaptations. 
  • Boparen Charitable Trust: work directly with families providing financial grants for key items that assist the children. In addition to providing grants for specialist equipment, they also donate money towards therapies. They have a turnaround time of 2 – 4 weeks for funding under £5,000. 
  • Caudwell Children’s Trust: provides funding for disabled/chronically ill children under the age of 19 years, for mobility and sensory equipment. The trust also provides grants for children/young people up to the age of 25, for sports equipment. Equipment which can be funded includes powered wheelchairs, therapy trikes, car seats, buggies and more. To be eligible, the child must be from a household with an overall income of less than £45,000 a year. Grants can pay for up to 70-80% of the cost of equipment. Parents/Guardians may apply for their child, though a supporting letter from the child’s physiotherapist or occupational therapist is needed.
  • Children Today: charity that raises funds to provide specialised equipment and services for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK. 
  • CHIPS: provides grants for wheelchairs that the NHS will not provide funding for, or that parents cannot afford to buy themselves. If successful, wheelchairs will be custom-made according to the child’s needs, even the colour can be at their request.
  • Dreams Come True: helps children and young people with serious and life-limiting medical conditions. They also provide vital sensory equipment, wheelchairs or specially adapted bicycles as well. The only wish granting charity specifically supporting children living in the highest areas of deprivation across the UK. 
  • Elifar Foundation: small charity which helps to improve the lives of children and adults with severe learning difficulty and associated physical disability. The foundation fund the purchase of a wide range of highly specialised equipment, which would otherwise be unavailable because of a lack of funds or because there is no statutory provision. 
  • Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust: provides grants to British citizens, who are disabled or in ill health. Funds are offered to pay for medical and household aids to help with independent living. Examples of items funded include wheelchairs, nebulisers, computers, washing machines and more. 
  • The Hospital Saturday Fund: provides grants to people with a disability/health condition to pay for a wide range of mobility equipment, medical aids, home adaptations and therapeutic treatments such as physiotherapy.
  • Independence at Home: provides grants to people of any age who are disabled or have a long term health condition, to help them live independently at home. To receive a grant you must be in financial need, have an ‘eligible’ health condition, and be unable to obtain funding from statutory sources. Grants are provided for mobility and disability equipment, home adaptations, communications equipment, general furnishings, beds and more. 
  • Mobility Trust: provides powered wheelchairs and scooters to severely disabled people, of all ages, who can’t get the equipment through other means. The Trust sources the equipment; it does not give grants for applicants to buy the equipment themselves. An occupational therapy assessment is arranged and paid for by the trust, before equipment is provided. 
  • Motability: if you receive the enhanced mobility rate for Child or Adult Disability Payment you can apply to lease a mobility car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (, scooter or powered wheelchair. The benefit is paid directly to Motability on your behalf in exchange for the vehicle you receive. 
  • Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children: UK’s largest charity funder of children’s specialist disability equipment. They provide grants for essential equipment such as: pain relieving beds, wheelchairs, communication aids, and much more. 
  • REACT Children’s Charity: for families of children who will live a shorter life, REACT provides financial assistance for the purchase of specialist equipment, respite and holidays. 
  • REMAP: the equipment and adaptations created by the volunteers at REMAP are designed to help with mobility and access challenges. 
  • Whizz-Kidz: provides a range of mobility equipment to children and young people with a physical disability to give them independence at home, at school and at play. 
  • 3H Fund UK Holiday Grant Programme: awards grants to disabled people and carers, on low income, to help them to organise a break for themselves in the UK. Covers those in Scotland who are a permanent wheelchair or walking aid users aged 25 and under.
  • The Adamson Trust: provides assistance with the cost of holidays and/or respite breaks for young people aged 17 and under with either a physical or mental disability.  
  • Buttercup Children’s Trust: grants for respite, holidays and travel expenses for children who with a wide range of life hindering illnesses including Leukaemia, The Deaf, The Blind, Cystic Fibrosis.
  • Carefree: overnight stays donated by hotels all over the UK for carers. You need to pay a £38 admin fee per stay, but you are now able to take two breaks per year which can be 1 or 2 nights depending on hotel availability (caring role needs to be confirmed by a referee professional). 
  • Disability Aid Trust: provides grants to fund a carer to allow adults with a severe physical disability to have a break.  
  • The Family Fund: provides grants for short breaks to families who are caring for a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 years or under. 
  • Family Holiday Charity provide short breaks at seaside holiday parks like Haven or Butlin’s, staying in a self-catering caravan. They also work with a wide range of other holiday parks, hotels and hostels who donate availability to them and in exceptional circumstances may be able to make a financial contribution towards another type of holiday if their usual short breaks are unsuitable for a family. 
  • Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund – Trefoil House: offers Personal Development Grants to young people in Scotland under twenty-five years old with special needs, whether mental, social, or physical, that affect their development. Applicants for holiday grants should be under eighteen years old and living in Scotland. Trefoil only funds holidays in the UK and does not support overseas trips.  
  • The Ogilvie Trust (The Margaret Champney Rest and Holiday Fund): provides small grants toward a break for individuals who care for others to have a break completely away from the person whom they normally care for or where the carer and cared for wish to holiday together. May also consider family holidays in the UK where one or more members of the family are substantially disabled. They also have grants for essential house hold items for up to £300. 
  • Pamis: offer 2-night (Friday to Sunday), 3-night (Monday to Thursday) and 6 night breaks (Friday to Thursday) at the Coach House in Aberfeldy. The Coach House is a 4 bedroom holiday cottage in rural Perthshire which can sleep 8 people, the downstairs areas are fully wheelchair accessible and have a tracking system and a fully accessible wet room. 
  • Take a Break Scotland:provides individual grants to help families with disabled or seriously ill children or young people (up to age 20) to have a personalised short break. The Fund is administered by the Family Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. Eligibility is based on social model of disability and not of medical model so not dependant on diagnosis/ receiving CDP/ADP. You can apply for each child if more than one child with additional needs. 

    It opens annually in May/June time. Generally you won’t receive a payment if you were successful the year before, however there is no limit on applying so it is worth submitting an application.  

  • Time Away: charity which sources vacant time in self-catering holiday accommodation and gifts it to families facing both emotional and financial difficulties following a child’s life changing diagnosis. This is available to families with children under 5 years old, however families with older children can register with them and if there are breaks that are not booked or last minute availability they are offered out to all registered with them. The best way to stay up to date is to join their WhatsApp channel and they post there if they have any last minute cancellations. They recently changed to being able to apply once every 2 years. 
  • Whiteleys Retreat: fully adapted cottages in Ayr for young people age 0-24 with a terminal or life limiting illness with therapy spaces including animals.  
  • Aberlour Fund:  can provide immediate relief to families with children (aged 21 and under) who are suffering extreme hardship. Families who are struggling to provide food, heating and clothing for their children. 
  • Chances for Children:  individually tailored grants of up to £2,400 for children and young people who have experienced a crisis that has recently had a significant and enduring impact on their wellbeing and educational engagement. 
  • Challenger Children’s Fund: provide grants for physically disabled children under 18 years, in Scotland. Funding is provided to meet a specific need not covered by statutory sources e.g clothing, apparatus, equipment, household appliances, furniture, adaptions to home or garden. 
  • Clevedon Forbes Fund: a Christian charity which makes grants for UK residents of limited means who are either recovering from illness or trauma.  Grants are also made to carers.  
  • Crackerjacks: helps families and children with disabilities. The charity’s goals include ensuring that children with disabilities have the same opportunities and experiences as other children. They offer grants up to £3,000 to parents, guardians, and care workers. 
  • Dream Big Trust:  to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and adults. They look for opportunities to help someone take their next steps, learn new skills and build a bright future. 
  • The Douglas Hay Trust: small trust set up to aid physically disabled children under the age of 18 to help with holidays, education and computers.  It also gives help with clothes, shoes and bedding.
  • East Renfrew Good Causes: wide criteria of what grant can be used for and can be sometimes be granted on same day if an emergency. They operate Scotland wide.
  • Family Fund: provides a wide range of grants to families living in Scotland raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child or young adult on a low income. 

    Whether you need a kitchen appliance like a fridge, cooker or washing machine; clothing and bedding; sensory or play equipment; technology for your child, or a much-needed family break, they are here to help. You can apply once every 2 years.

  •  

    Lanarkshire Carers: they have limited funds but can help in moments of crisis and for simple essentials like a washing machine.  

    Hamilton office is 01698 428090, Airdrie is 01236 755550 

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    Sunny Days Children’s Fund: make small grants to enable them to help as many children and their families as possible, whether it be for day trips, medical equipment, respite, hospital travel, or sadly making children’s remaining time as comfortable as possible, to include where achievable, children’s last wishes.    
  • Time To Live Fund: carer breaks can be applied for through local carer organisations such as Lanarkshire Carers. This can be used for a holiday, short break, or something which benefits the carer such as a gym membership, massage or haircut. 

Education

The Scottish Government’s policy is a presumption of mainstream which is what the local authorities also strive to follow. Unfortunately, this means that many children will not receive a place at a supported school and there is generally significant demand for spaces (in 2025 there were c1,000 applications for 200 places in North Lanarkshire). By law, education authorities must identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils. 

 

The Scottish Government’s policies are set out here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/additional-support-for-learning/ 

 

This section sets out what ASN schools are available in North and South Lanarkshire; in both cases a placing request must be made to access any ASN provision even if you live within the catchment area of that school. Unfortunately, many parents face a battle to gain a space in an appropriate school for their child’s needs. Advocacy services can be helpful to support school meetings, and some have found success in going through their local MP along with the head of education for that council (Alison Gordon for North Lanarkshire:gordonal@northlan.gov.uk, Lyndsay McRoberts for South Lanarkshire: lyndsay.mcroberts@southlanarkshire.gov.uk). 

 

Some parents have had success requesting 1:1 support in school or a home visit from school before starting to enable their child to settle. Not all schools will offer this support but it is worth asking how the school can help. 

You can also ask the school to make ‘reasonable adjustments‘ for your child to help support their needs. This might be sensory, such as wearing a polo shirt instead of a buttoned shirt, or something like a quiet room for an exam. This guide sets out some suggestions: f87fed5-2e88-648-57e8-d7c5f058c6f__Reasonable_Adjustments_in_School_.pdf

 

Craighalbert Centre in Cumbernauld provides full and part time placements for children and young people aged 5-19 years who have complex communication, learning, health and care needs who have been diagnosed with a neurological condition e.g. Acquired Brain Injury, Bilateral Polymicrogyria, Cerebral Palsy, Rare Genetic Conditions, Rett Syndrome, Syndromes without a Name, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. They are unable to support the learning and development of children and young people with a primary diagnosis of autism or another neurodivergent condition, e.g. ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, Dyspraxia. https://www.craighalbert.org.uk/  

 

The other sources of information section below also gives contact details of agencies who can help with ASN education questions. 

 

After school care: most after school clubs do not offer a specific ASN provision. Some parents have found clubs where the staff have been able to meet their child’s needs but unfortunately this isn’t widespread. North Lanarkshire has in the past offered ASN holiday hubs at Easter, summer and October week but these were last run in 2023. A childminder may be able to provide after school or holiday care, the most recommended website is: www.childcare.co.uk 

All requests to attend an ASN school must be done through a placing request (Additional Support Needs Placing Request | North Lanarkshire Council). Generally this is only considered by the council before going in to P1 or S1 but the school’s educational psychologist may be able to help with a referral at other times. 

 

The process changed in 2025 to introduce a screening stage; all those applying submit an initial form and an observation is then carried out. This observation outcome goes to a screening panel who decide what application should then be made (mainstream, LCSC or ASN). 

 

You cannot select the school you wish to go to and the panel will make a decision. There is no appeals process however if you are unhappy with the decision you can make a placing request directly to the school you would like your child to attend. 

 

North Lanarkshire have started trialling enhanced provision units which are smaller classes within a mainstream school. Five primary schools had units set up for the August 2025 intake (John Paul II PS, Muirhouse PS, Berryhill PS, Holy Cross PS and Shawhead PS). If successful this model is expected to be rolled out to other schools, at c5 schools per school year. It is unclear it this will only be for a P1 intake or if the units will be expanded to accommodate other year groups. More information on the consultation can be found here: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/Proposal%20Document%20Enhanced%20Provision.pdf 

 

The education inclusion team can be contacted on: ef.sfl@northlan.gov.uk.

Other individuals you can contact are Yvonne MacBean (assistant director of the inclusion team): macbeany@northlan.gov.uk, Stacey Stevenson: stevensonsta@northlan.gov.uk, and Carol McShane who is the Council Integration Lead (CIIL) of the ASN cluster: mcshanec@northlan.gov.uk

Nursery

North Lanarkshire has three nurseries with ASN classes and seven council-managed family learning centres (FLC which have ASN provision. A placing request is required to attend, this can be arranged through your Health Visitor.  

 

North Lanarkshire does not widely publish the ASN nurseries and they do not include ASN in the school name. As at December 2025 there are the following nurseries with specific ASN provision: 

Ailsa Family Learning Centre 

The Loaning

Motherwell

ML1 3NQ 

✉ailsaflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522701 

Bellshill Family Learning Centre 

 91 Deans Street

Bellshill

ML4 1PD 

✉ bellshillflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522707 

Baird Memorial Primary School – Early Years Support Unit 

6 Avonhead Road

Cumbernauld

G67 4RA 

✉ enquiries-at-baird@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632096 

Craigneuk  Family Learning Centre 

641 Glasgow Road

Wishaw

ML2 7SR 

✉ craigneukflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522709 

Devonview Family Learning Centre 

Devonview Street

Airdrie

ML6 9DH 

✉ devonviewflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632051 

Dunbeth Family Learning Centre 

80 Coats Street

Coatbridge

ML5 3NX 

✉dunbethflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632079 

Hilltop Nursery Class 

Petersburn Road

Devonview

ML6 8BH 

✉  enquiries-at-hilltop@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632240 

Petersburn Family Learning Centre 

4 Petersburn Road

Petersburn

Airdrie

ML6 8DX 

✉ petersburn@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632220 

Richard Stewart Family Learning Centre 

Waddell Street

Airdrie

ML6 6LH 

✉ richardstewartflc@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 638866 

North Lanarkshire has 118 primary schools, 10 of which have attached Language and Communication Support Centres (LCSC). These are smaller classes (generally 6-10 pupils) serving children with particular language and communication needs who are able to access the mainstream school curriculum. The class will have a Learning Support Assistant (previously called ASNA) and receive input from NHS Speech and Language. 

 

All requests to attend a LCSC must be done through a placing request (Additional Support Needs Placing Request | North Lanarkshire Council). 

 

Most LCSC schools offer a placement from P1-7, the exception to this is St Margaret of Scotland which is P1-3 only. North Lanarkshire does not widely publish the LCSC schools and many do not include LCSC in the school name.

 

A new LCSC unit will open within the new building of Gartcosh Primary School. The new primary school is due to open in August 2026 but the LSCS may open later than this depending on how the building work progresses.

As at December 2025 there are the following LCSC schools in North Lanarkshire: 

Hilltop Primary School 

Petersburn Road 

Airdrie  

ML6 8BH 

✉ enquiries-at-hilltop@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632240 

New Stevenson Primary School 

New Stevenston 
ML1 4HX 

✉ enquiries-at-newstevenston@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522730 

Orchard Primary School 

Castlehill Road 

Wishaw  

ML2 0LB 

✉ enquiries-at-orchard@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274984 

St Aidan’s Primary School 

Coltness Road 

Wishaw  

ML2 7EY 

✉ enquiries-at-st-aidans-pri@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522702 

St Lucy’s Primary School 

Oak Road 

Cumbernauld  

G67 3LQ 

✉ enquiries-at-st-lucys@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794852 

St Margaret of Scotland Primary School (P1-3 only) 

Broomlands Road 

Cumbernauld  

G67 2PT 

✉ enquiries-at-st-margaret-scotland@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632102 

St Stephen’s Primary School 

Sikeside Street 

Coatbridge  

ML5 4QH 

✉ enquiries-at-st-stephens@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794850 

St Timothy’s Primary School 

Old Monkland Road 

Coatbridge  

ML5 4EA 

✉ enquiries-at-st-timothys@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632134 

 

ASN schools have a full school roll of children with additional needs. The schools are smaller than a mainstream school with a total school role of 60-70 pupils, meaning smaller class sizes and generally more experienced staff. 

 

Some ASN primary schools have an ASN secondary school on the same campus or in the same building. Attending an ASN primary is not guarantee of receiving an ASN secondary place and a placing request needs to be made in P6 for secondary school. 

 

The schools are: 

 

Clydeview School 

Cassels Street 

Motherwell  

ML1 1DX 

✉enquiries-at-clydeview@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274985 

Drumpark Primary School 

Albert Street 

Coatbridge  

ML5 3ET 

✉ enquiries-at-drumpark@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794884 

Firpark Primary School  

177 Milton Street 

Motherwell  

ML1 1DL 

✉ enquiries-at-firpark-pri@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274933 

Glencryan School 

Greenfaulds 

Cumbernauld  

G67 2XJ 

✉ enquiries-at-glencryan@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794866 

Pentland School 

Townhead Road 

Coatbridge 

ML5 2HT 

✉ enquiries-at-pentland@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794833 

Redburn School 

Kildrum Ring Road 

Cumbernauld 

G67 2EL 

✉ enquiries-at-redburn@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632236 

North Lanarkshire has 23 secondary schools, 3 of which have attached Language and Communication Support Centres (LCSC). 

Brannock High School  

Loanhead Road 

Newarthill 

Motherwell  

ML1 5AU 

✉ enquiries-at-brannock@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274936 

Caldervale High School 

Towers Road 

Airdrie  

ML6 8PG 

✉ enquiries-at-caldervale@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794855 

Cumbernauld Academy 

South Kildrum Ring Road 

Cumbernauld  

G67 2UF 

✉ enquiries-at-cumbernauldac@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794864 

Unlike the primary schools the secondary LCSC units are drop in support bases, providing somewhere where young people can go for support and tuition. Support may also be provided in a mainstream class, but generally the LCSC unit does not hold classes itself. 

ASN schools have a full school roll of children with additional needs. The schools are smaller than a mainstream school with a total school role of c120 pupils, meaning smaller class sizes of around 10 pupils and generally more experienced staff. Many schools will look to reduce the number of teachers and movement around the school for different subjects. 

 

The schools are split by a Secondary Department (S1–S3) and a Senior Phase (S4-S6); the Senior Phase focuses on life skills and appropriate SQA units. 

 

The schools are: 

 

Buchanan High School 

67 Townhead Road 

Coatbridge 

ML5 2HT 

✉enquiries-at-buchanan@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632052 

Fallside Secondary School 

Sanderson Avenue 

Viewpark 

G71 6JZ 

✉enquiries-at-fallside@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274986 

Firpark Secondary 

Fir Park Street 

Motherwell 

ML1 2PR 

✉enquiries-at-firpark@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 522744 

Glencryan School 

Greenfaulds 

Cumbernauld 

G67 2XJ 

✉enquiries-at-glencryan@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 794866 

Mavisbank School 

Mitchell Street 

Airdrie 

ML6 0EB 

✉ enquiries-at-mavisbank@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632108 

Portland School 

31-33 Kildonan Street 

Coatbridge 

ML5 3LG 

✉ enquiries-at-portland@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632060 

Redburn School 

Kildrum Ring Road 

Cumbernauld 

G67 2EL 

✉enquiries-at-redburn@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632236 

Willowbank School 

Waverley Drive 

Airdrie 

ML6 6EU 

✉enquiries-at-willowbank@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01236 632078 

Woodlands Park High School (previously called Bothwellpark High School) 

297 Coltness Road 

Wishaw 

ML2 7EX 

✉ enquiries-at-bothwellpark@northlan.org.uk 

☏ 01698 274939 

North Lanarkshire council will provide transport if your child ‘Has been assessed to attend a school to meet the requirements of their additional support needs (these assessments involve Psychological Services who also recommend appropriate transport arrangements)’. 

Transport is provided by bus or taxi with an escort and driver who will both have a valid PVG. 

 

If your child attends a mainstream school then you qualify for transport if they live more than 1 mile away from the school (for primary school, for secondary school the distance is 3 miles). 

 

 You can decline the transport and drive your child yourself; North Lanarkshire council will pay 45p per mile for two return trips a day from your home to the school if this is the case. 

 

28 days notice is required to change between a bus/taxi and your own transport and the car used must have a valid MOT and insurance certificate which the council will request to see. 

Transport details are confirmed in August before the school term starts; there is no stated date when this will be and unfortunately many only find out a day or so before the school term starts. Contracts are tendered each year so your child may have a different driver and escort each year, and may share a bus or taxi with different children than a previous year.  

 

The pick up and drop off times will vary depending on the bus/taxi route and number of drop offs. A sole taxi will only be provided in exceptional circumstances and most routes pick up 2-3 children; depending on the taxi route your child may be picked up from 7.45/8am.  

 

Transport is only provided at the start and end of the school day, it will not be provided for later starts or early finishes (unless the whole school is closing such as 1pm closure before the start of the summer holidays). 

 

The contact email is ASNTransport@northlan.gov.uk 

 

It is difficult to speak to the team via telephone with many experiencing very long wait times to get through. The number is 01698 403140, option 2. 

If your child has additional support needs or a disability that is identified at birth or during their early years, your health visitor or anyone working closely with you will contact the Early Years Multi-Agency Team (EYMAT). This involves education, health and social work services. They will work with you to look what you child needs and co-ordinate the help and services available. 

EYMAT can also give you advice on services, benefits and health-related information and look with you at the best options for your child at nursery school and school. 

 

South Lanarkshire also runs a Primary Inclusion and Wellbeing Service which supports pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs. The service consists of 4 hubs: 

  • Glengowan Primary (Clydesdale Locality) 
  • St Ninians Primary (Hamilton locality) 
  • Castlefield Primary (East Kilbride locality) 
  • David Livingstone Primary (Cambuslang/Rutherglen locality). 

Each hub is managed by a Principal Teacher with the service overseen by a Headteacher and Depute. A range of supports is available; outreach support, enhanced placements (part-time) and intensive placements (full-time). Placements are allocated through the Inclusion Wellbeing Allocation Group (IWAG) which meets twice a year. 

 

The Education Inclusion team can be contacted on: educationinclusion@southlanarkshire.gov.uk, phone: 0303 123 1023 

Nursery

If your child is under three and has additional support needs they will have priority access to a place at nursery and South Lanarkshire council will provide a home visiting specialist support teacher. 

 

The ASN nurseries available are: 

 

The Additional Support Needs Bases are: 

 

Early Learning Unit ASN 

 Hope Street 

Hamilton 

ML3 6AF 

✉ earlylearningunit@ea.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 281228 

Kirkstyle ASN 

Eastfield Road 

Carluke 

ML8 4NZ 

✉ gw20kirkstyleoffice@glow.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 772856 

There are 124 primary schools throughout South Lanarkshire Council, 17 of which have Additional Support Needs Bases in them. These primaries offer supported classes to address the needs of children with moderate / complex difficulties within a small class setting. Each of these classes has a class teacher and school support assistant.  

 

Application for the supported classes is via Psychological Services and through the submission of a Wellbeing Assessment. The assessment is then considered by the Primary Allocations Forum. The Allocations Forum is chaired by the Inclusion Manager and will include appropriate service managers. Note – if you make a placing request then South Lanarkshire will not reserve a space at your catchment school. If the placing request is denied and the catchment school is full then you will be offered a space at the next nearest school with spaces available. 

 

Education Support Services can be contacted on edsuppserv.helpline@southlanarkshire.gov.uk  or 0303 123 1023. 

 

 

The Additional Support Needs Bases are: 

 

Auchinraith Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Victoria Street 
Blantyre 
G72 0BF 

✉ office@auchinraith-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 823286 

Blackwood Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Carlisle Road 
Kirkmuirhill 
Blackwood 
ML11 9AT 

✉ office@blackwood-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 892438 

Cairns Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Ivybank Avenue 
Cambuslang 
G72 8SQ 

✉ office@cairns-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 0141 641 2218 

Carluke Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Belstane Road 
Carluke 
ML8 4BG 

✉ office@carluke-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 771621 

Carstairs Junction Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Coronation Street 
Carstairs Junction 
ML11 8QY 

✉ office@carstairsjunction-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 870301 

Cathkin Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Burnside Road 
Rutherglen 
G73 4AA 

✉ office@cathkin-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 0141 634 4569 

Chatelherault Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Silvertonhill Avenue 
Hamilton 
ML3 7NT 

✉ office@chatelherault-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 282929 

Crosshouse Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Curlew Drive 
Greenhills 
East Kilbride 
G75 8ZY 

✉ office@crosshouse-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 245300 

Greenhills Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Cedar Drive 
Greenhills 
East Kilbride 
G75 9JD 

✉ office@greenhills-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 241646 

Hareleeshill Primary Additional Support Needs Base 

Myrtle Lane 
Larkhall 
ML9 2RQ 

✉ office@hareleeshill-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 883155 

High Blantyre Primary Additional Support Needs Base 

Broompark Road 
High Blantyre 
Blantyre 
G72 9SH 

✉ office@highblantyre-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 827670 

Jackton Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Rochester Avenue 

East Kilbride 

G75 8WG 

✉ office@jackton-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 200123 

Murray Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Napier Hill 
Murray 
East Kilbride 
G75 OJP 

✉ office@murray-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 222566 

Newton Farm Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Harvester Avenue 

Newton 

G72 6AA 

✉ office@newtonfarm-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 0141 642 0333 

Robert Owen Memorial Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Smyllum Road 
Lanark 
ML11 7BZ 

✉ office@robertowen-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 662486 

St John’s Primary School (Hamilton) Additional Support Needs Base 

Dixon Street 
Hamilton 
ML3 6PZ 

✉ office@st-johns-hamilton-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 283401 

Stonehouse Primary School Additional Support Needs Base 

Townhead Street 
Stonehouse 
ML9 3EL 

✉ office@stonehouse-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 792377 

ASN schools have a full school roll of children with additional needs. The schools are smaller than a mainstream school with a total school role of 60-70 pupils, meaning smaller class sizes and generally more experienced staff. 

 The ASN schools are:

 

Greenburn School 

 Calderwood Road 
East Kilbride 
G74 3DP 

✉ office@greenburn.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 237278 

Hamilton School for the Deaf 

Anderson Street 
Hamilton 
ML3 0QL 

✉ office@hamiltonschooldeaf.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 823377 
☏ Qwerty 01698 713406 

Victoria Park School 

Market Road 
Carluke  
ML8 4BE  

✉ office@victoriapark.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 750591 

West Mains School 

Logie Park 
East Kilbride  
G74 4BU 

✉ office@westmains.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 249938 

The Additional Support Needs Bases and Communication Support Departments help young people with a variety of Additional Support Needs including Autism, ADHD and learning difficulties. Depending on the school there will be some subjects offered within the base, with other subjects offered in the mainstream class but with additional support for reading, scribing and social and emotional support. 

 

The Additional Support Needs Bases are: 

 

Calderside Academy Additional Support Needs Department & 

Hearing Impairment Unit 

Calder Street 

Blantyre 

G72 0AX 

✉ office@calderside.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 717180 

Cathkin High Additional Support Needs Department 

Langlea Road 

Cambuslang 

G72 8ES 

✉ office@cathkin.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 0141 643 3470 

Duncanrig Secondary Communication Support Department 

Winnipeg Drive 

East Kilbride 

G75 8ZT 

✉ office@duncanrig-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 588800 

Hamilton Grammar Additional Support Needs Department 

Auchincampbell Road 

Hamilton 

ML3 6PF 

✉ office@hamilton.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 283685  

Lanark Grammar School Additional Support Needs Department 

Albany Drive 

Lanark 

ML11 9AQ 

✉ office@lanark-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 667520 

Larkhall Academy Additional Support Needs Department 

Broomhill Road 

Larkhall 

ML9 1QN 

✉ office@larkhall.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 552170 

Lesmahagow High School Additional Support Needs Department 

Strathaven Road 

Lesmahagow 

ML11 0FS 

✉ office@lesmahagow.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01555 896010 

St Andrews and St Brides High Support Base 

Platthorn Drive 

East Kilbride 

G74 1NL 

✉ office@st-a-and-st-b.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 574110 

Uddingston Grammar School Visual Impairment Unit 

Old Glasgow Road 

Uddingston 

G71 7BT 

✉ office@uddingston.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 805050 

ASN schools have a full school roll of children with additional needs. The schools are smaller than a mainstream school with a total school role of c120 pupils, meaning smaller class sizes of around 10 pupils and generally more experienced staff. Many schools will look to reduce the number of teachers and movement around the school for different subjects. 

 

The ASN schools are: 

KEAR Campus School 

Bardykes Road  

Blantyre 

G72 9UJ 

✉ office@kear.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01698 722120 

Rutherglen High School 

Langlea Road 

Cambuslang 

G72 8ES 

✉ office@rutherglen.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 0141 643 3480 

Sanderson High School 

High Common Road 

East Kilbride 

G74 2LP  

✉ office@sanderson.s-lanark.sch.uk 

☏ 01355 588625 

South Lanarkshire council will provide transport for all children and young people attending an ASN school. 

 

Transport is provided by bus or taxi with an escort and driver who will both have a valid PVG. Details of the driver and escort for the new school year are provided in June. 

 

The pick up and drop off times will vary depending on the bus/taxi route and number of drop offs. A sole taxi will only be provided in exceptional circumstances and most routes pick up 2-3 children; depending on the taxi route your child may be picked up from 7.45/8am. 

 

The Council provides school transport to and from your child’s registered home address only.  Transport to any other address is considered to be a private arrangement between the parent/carer and the transport provider. A private arrangement cannot always be accommodated and is dependent on the route the vehicle is required to take to transport all children on the vehicle to and from school.  Therefore, any private arrangement would have to be discussed with the transport provider each school session as routes often change as new pupils join school and others leave.  Any additional costs associated with a private arrangement will be liable for payment by the parent/carer. 

 

The contact email is EDASNTransport@southlanarkshire.gov.uk, and contact phone numbers are ASN Transport Team on 01698 455788 (or Passenger Services on 01698 717713for the school bus) 

 

Complaints should be made in writing to the Inclusion Advisor by email or to: ASN Transport Team, Education Resources, South Lanarkshire Council, Floor 13, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA. 

Both North and South Lanarkshire have information on their website about home schooling. If you decide to home school your child this becomes their registered school and they are removed from the roll of the school they previously attended. This means that you cannot formally choose to home school your child while waiting on the outcome of a placing request to an ASN school; you would need to keep them enrolled in their current school and then agree a bespoke timetable, or flexi-schooling. 

 

The Scottish Government guidance on home schooling can be found here: https://www.mygov.scot/learning-home-education/home-education-flexi-schooling 

And the council webpages are here: 

 In North Lanarkshire an application can be made to the Inclusion team for flexi-schooling which means your child attends school for shorter days, or not at all some days, with you providing educational experiences on the other days. The BBC has a short video about the benefits of flexi-schooling here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zcdnjfr#z4wsqyc 

 

South Lanarkshire does not publish information on whether it supports flexi-schooling. 

  • Enquire is a national service to assist families with education related matters; they have a website and a phone support line: https://enquire.org.uk/  
  • Govan Law Centre has a specific Education Unit and comes highly recommended from many of our parents. Their website also has template letters for placing requests, asking for a review of needs etc: https://govanlawcentre.org/education-law-unit/  
  • My Rights, My Say is a free service that helps 12–15-year-olds with additional support needs to use their rights and have a say in decisions about their education: https://myrightsmysay.scot/  

Travel and out and about tips

The sections below have been compiled using tips from parents on things they have found helpful when travelling. For any application, such as an access card, it can take several weeks for an application to be processed so it’s recommended to apply for these as early as possible. Venues that offer queue jumping for rides only have a certain number of spaces available so try and add these as soon as you book a trip or visit. 

 

Airports allow visits in advance which may help children to picture what will happen and get used to the noises and busyness ahead of you travelling. Passport photos for children with ASN has been a topic of discussion with our parents as many children will not, or are not able to, sit for a photo which meets the passport office requirements. Some parents have had success adding a note to their application to say why the photo will not meet the requirements, or contact the passport office after the application has been submitted. Shops such as Timpsons will charge for each photo even if it fails, so it’s recommended to submit a photo online which is free: https://www.gov.uk/passport-services-disabled, or use a site such as this one to apply a plain background to an existing photo: https://passport-photo.online/en-gb 

  

A useful website is Euan’s Guide which is an accessibility review website started in Edinburgh, Scotland. It gives disabled people the opportunity to rate the accessibility of the places they visit so provides first hand information before you plan to visit somewhere:  https://www.euansguide.com/ 

Access cards and discount codes

Access Card 

 

Costs £15 for 3 years 

 

 

Can be used to signify a disability, and as a result receive priority passes at theme parks to reduce queueing time. The card shows a photo ID and translates a persons disability or impairment into symbols, effectively highlighting the barriers they face and the reasonable adjustments they might need. As an example, a card showing either the symbol Standing and Queuing, Level Access or Urgent Access to Toilets) can be used to claim a Ride Access Pass from Merlin (Alton Towers), or for the Queue Assist Scheme at Paulton Park (Peppa Pig World). 

The Alton Towers Ride Access pass can be requested from 3 months before the date of your visit from this website: Ride Access Pass | Alton Towers Resort. The Paulton Park Queue Assist Scheme can be accessed here: Queue Assist Pass

 

NOTE – on 4th February 2026 Merlin announced it was updating its eligibility for the ride access pass (RAP) to remove ‘Difficulty with Crowds’ as a qualifier. This decision has since been put on hold following public backlash and the previous eligibility rules still apply. 

 

Another venue rated by many parents is Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The card can be used to request an EasyPass to be placed in a virtual queue which means you can wait elsewhere, before using the dedicated EasyPass entrance to access the ride at an allocated time. One other person can use the EasyPass for free, and up to two other people can be added for £5 each (organise this on the day at Guest Services). Accessibility – Pleasure Beach Resort

CEA card 

 

 

Costs £6.50 a year

 

A cinema specific card which allows a free carer ticket when accompanying the person they are caring for. This means if you are taking a child you care for then both of you can see the film for the cost of one child ticket.

 

Carers card 

 

Card is free, but needs to be renewed each year 

 

Provides evidence of carer status which can then be used for discounts at venues; many places will allow a carer free or reduced entry when they are accompanying the person they care for. 

 

Can also be used to obtain a Passport for Leisure membership with North Lanarkshire Council which gives a reduced rate for gym memberships. 

Discounts for Carers 

 

 

Provide a range of discount codes that can be used for online shopping, or to buy gift cards at reduced rates. 

 

An account needs to be set up but no evidence of caring status is required, and many discounts also work on clearance items. 

Merlin Carer’s pass (venues such as Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventure) 

 

Pass is free but can only be used with someone buying an annual pass (currently £203.88) 

 

 

 

 

Allows a carer free entry with an annual pass holder. This does not provide a ride access pass; that must be requested separately. 

 

National Disability Card 

 

Costs £20, plus £3.50 postage 

 

Provides proof of disability, although not as widely recognised as the access card, although it is accepted evidence for a Disneyland Paris Priority Card. 

 

Buying a card also gives access to a range of discount codes for online shopping. 

The sunflower lanyard is used to signal that the person wearing it has a hidden disability, and as a result may need extra support, assistance, or extra time (such as when getting on a bus or train). It may be useful to wear one in a new or busy place, such as an airport or attending a medical appointment, to hopefully encourage those around you to be patient and kind. During the Covid mask restrictions in 2020 and 2021 some people woe the lanyard to signify they were not wearing a face mask due to their disability. 

 

It is possible to buy cards saying the person has ADHD, anxiety or autism, and to include contact details, a name and photo if it is being worn by someone who might go off by themselves or become confused (such as a someone with dementia). 

 

The lanyards can be bought online from sights like Hidden Disabilities, Amazon or Ebay, or large supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer also have them for free at their customer service desk without providing proof of a disability. 

 

Tesco also offer a sensory box to borrow while you are in store to help reduce the sensory demands of supermarket shopping. These are free and can be borrowed from the customer services desk: https://www.tesco.com/zones/invisibledisability?msockid=30e1eec9f9866faa08eef89ff8db6ed8 

All airports offer special assistance desks which can help you from the car park to the plane (if you need mobility assistance), or to get through the priority security queue. Your travel agent can request this for you, but it’s also worth contacting the airport yourself and making sure you are booked in for your flight date. You should also make your airline aware that you need special assistance and many will give priority boarding. 

 

Airlines use the code DPNA which means Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance. (Hidden Disabilities); if you have other disabilities you may see the following codes used: 

  • WCHR – Wheelchair assistance required: passenger can walk a short distance up or down stairs.  
  • WCHS – Wheelchair assistance required: passenger can walk a short distance, but not up or down stairs.  
  • WCHC – Wheelchair required: passenger cannot walk any distance and will require the aisle chair to board.  
  • BLND – Passenger is blind or has reduced vision.  
  • DEAF – Passenger is deaf or hard of hearing. 

 You can also request a visit to the airport to help familiarise yourself and your child with what will happen, the noises and busyness. Security passes need to be arranged in advance so contact the airport as soon as you can if you want to arrange this; the airport needs more than one month’s notice. 

 

There are a number of ‘first experiences’ books which can be helpful to prepare children for what will happen, or use it as a distraction while you are at the airport. Some suggested books are: 

 When you arrive at the airport go straight to the special assistance desk and the staff will then help from there. The special assistance websites for the closest airports are below. 

Travelling to Spain? Aena airports in Spain don’t formally recognise the UK Sunflower Lanyard as a means of highlighting hidden disabilities. Instead they have created a badge so that airport staff can identify those who wear it easily and improve their experience at airports. By displaying this badge, you’ll be able to access the airport’s dedicated security control for families and people with reduced mobility (PRM). If the airport you’re travelling from doesn’t have a specific security check for families and PRMs, you’ll be assisted, as far as possible, through the general security checks. The badge also gives access to a silent lounge at Malaga Airport and a sensory lounge at Alicante Airport. 

 

You can request the badge here: https://www.aena.es/en/passengers/travellers/passengers-with-special-needs/invisible-disabilities/invisible-disabilities-badge.html 

The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offers disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. 

 

The newer style RADAR keys have a blue heart fob to make it easier to turn and is also a lighter key. An electronically operated door system is due to be introduced to assist those who cannot use a key. 

 

RADAR keys cost £5.40 with VAT and can be purchased from external companies such as the Blue Badge Company or Disability Rights UK. Some local chemists also sell them. 

Changing Places is a website and app which lists where accessible toilets can be found.  You can filter by the facility type, such as a supermarket, cafe or school, and the venue listing will then detail what facilities they have available such as hoists, accessible showers etc. 

Their website is: https://www.changing-places.org/ 

 

PAMIS provide a pamiloo which can be hired by event organisers in order to provide fully accessible toileting facilities, particularly for outdoor events which may otherwise by inaccessible. A list of events which have hired the pamiloo can be found here: https://pamis.org.uk/services/pamiloo/pamiloo-bookings/ 

Local councils can issue blue badges which allow parking in disabled bays in car parks, and free parking in pay and display car parks. These can be issued for mobility reasons, but also if a child poses a risk in traffic. 

 

Mobility badges are issued for severe mobility problems or are registered blind. Risk in traffic badges may be awarded for those with a mental or cognitive disorder which means they have little or no awareness of danger from traffic. 

 

The North Lanarkshire website states that there must be a diagnosis, however in recent years the council has successfully awarded badges to those without a diagnosis as long as they can provide some supporting evidence (such as a Child Disability Payment award). The form has a section for questions to be completed by a professional, such as a teacher, speech and language therapist or social worker. If there is no diagnosis the application is referred to an occupational therapist who will contact the applicant to talk through their responses; this is similar questions as are asked in the form, such as whether you would let your child take a trolley back through a carpark themselves unsupervised etc. 

 

Blue badges cost £20 for 3 years. Payment is requested once the application is successful. It will take approximately 6-8 weeks for the council to make their decision; payment is then requested then the badge is printed and issued which takes another approximately 2 weeks. 

Blue Badges can be issued to adults, children or to organisations which provide care. They can be used by badge holders who are drivers or travelling as passengers in any vehicle. 

 

Applications for mobility badges are made to the Scottish Government here: https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-blue-badge/how-to-apply 

 

Risk in Traffic applications should be made directly to the relevant council and cannot be done online due the evidence needed (however the form can be scanned and returned by email to save on postage costs). 

All children and young people aged 2 and under in Scotland are eligible for a free bus pass. Children under 5 do not need a pass and can travel for free on buses.  

 

Children aged 5 to 11 will get a bus pass without a photo. This will expire when they turn 12, but they can get a new bus pass with a photo from age 11. You can apply for this online: https://www.mygov.scot/under-22-bus-pass/apply-for-bus-pass 

 

You can also apply for a disabled person’s bus pass for a child and add a companion; this will add a C+1 logo to the card meaning a companion can travel with the child for free. This is valid for 3 years and a photo of the child is needed. You can apply for this online: https://www.mygov.scot/disabled-bus-pass/apply-for-bus-pass 

 

While not free travel, Scotrail allow up to 4 children to travel for £1 return with a paying adult. This cannot be bought online and needs to be bought in a station or from a conductor. More information can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/kids-for-a-quid 

 

It is also worth considering the Motability scheme. If you receive the enhanced mobility rate for Child or Adult Disability Payment you can apply to lease a mobility car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (, scooter or powered wheelchair. The benefit is paid directly to Motability on your behalf in exchange for the vehicle you receive. 

Seatbelt accessories

Harnesses and buckle guards can be helpful for children who undo their own seatbelt while in a moving vehicle or are able to climb out of a fastened seatbelt.

 

Buckle guards can be used to stop a child unbuckling their seatbelt while travelling in a car or bus. There are many available on sites like Amazon and require a small key to open them. For children who can still escape their seatbelt or open the guards themselves, a more heavy duty option is a Crelling harness. The manufacturer recommend that a seatbelt cutter is kept in the vehicle to ensure the occupants of a car are able to exit quickly and safely, particularly in the event of an overturned car. 

 

Another option is a vehicle harness which is worn like a waistcoat and depending on the brand can have a range of ways to open it. 

 

The WestMARC Wheelchair and Seating Service provides wheelchairs (manual and powered) and children’s buggies, with postural supports if required, to people requiring wheeled mobility that are living in the West of Scotland.  Any new users must be referred by a healthcare worker (such as a Health Visitor, School Nurse or GP) or a social worker. 

The main hub in in Yoker but there is also a smaller drop in facility in Motherwell: https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/westmarc/westmarc-wheelchair-seating-service/ 

 

Many parents can struggle to source a buggy that is suitable for a slightly older child, but need this for safety or mobility reasons. Some models which parents have had in the past and have found met their needs include: 

Parents have found there are not many tandem buggy options; it may be easier to buy an adaptor to join together two single buggies. There are many available on sites such as Amazon from around £15 (search for double buggy adapter). 

Some parents have purchased identity bracelets and accessories for their car to be able to alert emergency services that their child is non-verbal. 

Many caravan sites or holiday parks have an intermittent wi-fi service; it is normally available in public areas like cafes and arcades but not always available in accommodation. 

 

A parent suggestion is for a portable wi-fi box to be able to provide internet wherever you are, with something like this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3425060 

 

Another suggestion was to screen record favourite films or shows so they can be viewed without wi-fi, such as on a plane. This does use up memory on the phone or tablet but may be helpful to get through a journey when mobile data or wi-fi is not available. 

 

Portable DVD player: many parents have recommended a Bush portable player but these do not seem to be widely available anymore. Argos and Amazon sell other models such as this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5798245?clickSR=slp:term:12%22%20portable%20dvd%20player%20bush:2:21:1 

The brands below have been recommended by parents, many of whom have been looking for incontinence swimwear which caters for larger sizes than those available in supermarkets (such as Huggies Little Swimmers which only go up to size 5-6). 

 

Swim vest (floatation aid) 

 

Swim shorts 

 

Swimsuits 

Disneyland Paris can be a very exciting holiday for children, but is busy and noisy with a lot to see and do which can be overwhelming for children with additional support needs. The location means there are a number of options to get there, either a short flight or a drive and ferry for those who would rather not fly. 

 

This section gives some information shared by our parents who have visited the park. Disney’s accessibility guide is here: https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-int/guest-services/accessibility-at-disneylandparis 

 

Hotel 

Disney has six on site hotels. The Disneyland Hotel is at the park gates so is the closest, but is a 5* hotel so tends to be expensive. The other hotels are a 15-20 minute walk or a shuttle bus is available.  Many people choose to stay on site so that they are able to return to their hotel during the day for a break, particularly if their child is getting overwhelmed. The Marvel, Newport Bay and Sequoia Lodge hotels also have pools in them. 

There are many offsite hotels with easy transport to the park. These may also have the advantage of having a kitchen, and there are large supermarkets nearby such as the Val-de-Europe shopping centre: https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-int/shops/val-deurope-shopping-centre 

 

Food 

Hotel packages can include breakfast, and there are a range of cafes, snack vans and restaurants around the parks. There are a McDonalds and Starbucks in the park so there may be familiar food options available, and some restaurants offer click and collect so adults can order a different meal and take it back to their hotel with them. 

 

Travel from the airport 

Charles De Gaulle airport is approximately a 45 minute drive from Disney. There is a Disney bus that runs called the Magic Shuttle but many report this as being busy. An accessible bus is available which can be booked in advance. https://magicalshuttle.co.uk/ 

Ubers and private taxis are available and can be booked in advance. A recommended firm is Prestige Travel, Info@prestige-transfer.com, return journey €150. 

 

Priority Pass

The Priority Pass allows priority access to the rides, shows, parades and character encounters, shops and restaurants in Disneyland Paris. It also offers a special-rate park ticket with a discount of 25% off for your ticket and one carers ticket, although many packages include the park tickets so this may not be your cheapest option. 

  • Rides: the rides all have two queues, one of which is for fast track and priority pass holders. You may still have to queue for a short time, but this is more likely to be for 15 minutes compared to 1-2 hours in the main queue. The pass covers the passholder and up to 4 other people. 
  • Shows: there is a separate queue for the priority pass holders , however there is no reserved seating so it is not a guarantee of a seat at the front. The pass covers the passholder and up to 2 other people. 
  • Character visits: there’s a few virtual queues for the most popular characters so the priority pass doesn’t impact these; if you get a spot in the virtual queue you get told when to turn up with just a small queue to wait in when you get there. For the character meets around the park you can head to the front of the queue and the cast member there will give you a card with a time to come back to save waiting in the queue. 

You can apply for the pass online (from one month before you visit) or once you get to Disneyland. 

 

If applying online you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. On the day of your visit, present the QR code and your proof of disability at a Disney Hotel or one of the dedicated desks at the park entrances to collect your card. You apply here: https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/guest-services/priority-card 

 

If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at the concierge desk of your Disney Hotel or at City Hall on Main Street in the park. Make sure to bring the original copies of your documents. The card will be issued for the duration of your stay. 

The list of documentation that’s accepted for a Priority Pass is: 

  • Disability Living Allowance 
  • Attendance Allowance Award 
  • Personal independence payment 
  • Armed Force Compensation Scheme 
  • Certificate of Vision Impairment 
  • U.K. Disabled I.D 
  • National Disability Card 
  • Access Card 
  • Parking Card for Disabled People 
  • Registration Card BD8 
  • Adult Disability payment 
  • Disabled Student’s Allowance 
  • Scottish Child Disability Payment 

 To save taking benefit letters etc with you it may also be easier to apply for an Access Card or a National Disability Card. 

ASN specific activity sessions

Animals
  • Amazonia (M&Ds, Strathclyde Park): indoor tropical rainforest. ASN sessions every Saturday and Sunday at 10am which are stated to have less numbers. The animal handling session is at 11.30 and has space for 15 children, compared to 30 children for the other sessions, but this cannot be prebooked and is first come first served so you may find that it is sold out. As the animals can’t be overfed they may also sell out of animal food: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/attractions/amazonia/ 

The cinemas below all accept the CEA card; this gives a free carer ticket with one paid ticket. The card costs £6 per year, you can apply here: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/ 

 

  • Active NL (Wishaw and Motherwell): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run gymnastics in Wishaw Sports Centre on Monday 4.15 – 5pm, and Keir Hardie Sports Centre Tuesday 4.30 – 5.15pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • East Kilbride Gymnastics Club: pre school parent/child ASN class Wednesdays at 9.45am in Stewartfield Community Centre: https://www.ekgc.org/ 
  • Jump Gymnastics (Cumbernauld): free play in a gymnastics gym with access to trampolines, beams etc. Parent supervision is required. ASN sessions Wednesday 10am, and Sunday 9.30am. £4.50 per person entering the gym (adults and children). Since January 2026 advance booking is needed: https://www.jumpgymnasticsclub.co.uk/ 
  • Sapphire Gymnastics Club (Maryhill): free play supported by coaches to teach skills individually or in a group. Sensory room also available. ASN sessions Thursday 11am (for age 1 – 4) and Saturday 2.45 – 3.30 for age 5 plus, cost £28 per month:  https://www.sapphire-gymnasticsclub.com/asn 
  • Tumble Time Gymnastics (Bellshill): free play in a gymnastics gym with access to trampolines, beams etc. Parent supervision is required. ASN session Saturday 11am, £6 per child: https://www.tumbletime.fun/ 
  • Active NL (Chryston and Ravenscraig): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run football in the Iain Nicholson Centre on Saturday 11-12pm, and Ravenscraig Sports Centre Thursday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL (Wishaw): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run tennis in Wishaw Sports Centre on Thursday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL (Coatbridge): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run multi-sport classes in Townhead Community Centre on Wednesday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL (Cumbernauld): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run dance classes in Broadwood on Tuesday 5.15-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Airthrill (East Kilbride & Falkirk): Inflatable and trampoline park. 75 minute ASN sessions Wednesday 5.30pm (ticket price £14.50 for one person plus carer, East Kilbride only), and Sunday 10am (ticket price £16.50 for one person plus carer). Non ASN sessions have loud music, often with a DJ: https://airthrill.co.uk/uk/east-kilbride/ 
  • Bounce in the Park (Glasgow): large outdoor inflatable park. Tour dates for 2026 to be announced. They offer ASN sessions however adults are not allowed on any inflatables at all (even if you child gets upset at the top of a slide etc) so you child needs to be able to play independently on the inflatables: https://www.bounceinthepark.co.uk/ 
  • Flip Out (Glasgow): trampoline and adventure park with go-karting, laser quest and soft play areas. One hour ASN sessions Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7pm and Sunday at 9am with flashing lights turned off and music turned down. Ticket price £9 with free carer entry: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/glasgow 
  • Lollipop Land (East Kilbride): large soft play with separate baby and toddler areas. ASN sessions every second Wednesday from 4-6pm: https://lollipopland.co.uk/ 
  • Wee Playhouse (East Kilbride): soft play with large indoor sandpit. ASN session Tuesday 5.30pm. Child ticket costs £11, one adult free, extra adults £2.50: https://www.weeplayhouse.com/ 
  • Project 42 (North Lanarkshire wide): run weekly drop in sessions, lessons and 1:1 tuition across North Lanarkshire: https://project42.scot/ 
  • Spectrum Music (Cathcart): weekly music sessions for children with additional needs age 5-18 run by the charity Hear My Music. They also run summer clubs: https://hearmymusic.org.uk/projects/ 
  • Active NL (Coatbridge): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run ASN swimming lessons at the Time Capsule (in the Swim Zone swimming pool, not the water park side). You enter the pool with your child with two teachers available for support and advice. Wednesday 5.20 – 5.50pm, contact ActiveLessons@northlan.gov.uk or by calling 01236 341969.   
  • Little Nessies (Glasgow, Airdrie and New Lanark): offer group and 1:1 lessons in a range of pools. Not ASN specific but some parents have rated the 1:1 lessons. Blocks must be booked and paid for in advance: https://www.littlenessies.com/ 
Monday
  • Active NL Gymnastics (Wishaw): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run gymnastics in Wishaw Sports Centre on Monday 4.15 – 5pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL Dance (Cumbernauld): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run dance classes in Broadwood on Tuesday 5.15-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL Gymnastics (Motherwell): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run gymnastics in Keir Hardie Sports Centre Tuesday 4.30 – 5.15pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Flip Out (Glasgow): trampoline and adventure park with go-karting, laser quest and soft play areas. One hour ASN session Tuesday at 7pm with flashing lights turned off and music turned down. Ticket price £9 with free carer entry: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/glasgow 
  • Active NL Multi-Sports (Coatbridge): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run multi-sport classes in Townhead Community Centre on Wednesday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL Swimming (Coatbridge): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run ASN swimming lessons at the Time Capsule (in the Swim Zone swimming pool, not the water park side). You enter the pool with your child with two teachers available for support and advice. Wednesday 5.20 – 5.50, contact ActiveLessons@northlan.gov.uk or by calling 01236 341969.   
  • East Kilbride Gymnastics Club: pre school parent/child ASN class Wednesdays at 9.45am in Stewartfield Community Centre: https://www.ekgc.org/ 
  • Jump Gymnastics (Cumbernauld): free play in a gymnastics gym with access to trampolines, beams etc. Parent supervision is required. ASN session Wednesday 10am. £4.50 per person entering the gym (adults and children). Since January 2026 advance booking is needed: https://www.jumpgymnasticsclub.co.uk/ 
  • Lollipop Land (East Kilbride): large soft play with separate baby and toddler areas. ASN sessions every second Wednesday from 4-6pm: https://lollipopland.co.uk/ 
  • Active NL Football (Ravenscraig): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run football in Ravenscraig Sports Centre Thursday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Active NL Tennis (Wishaw): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run tennis in Wishaw Sports Centre on Thursday 5-6pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Flip Out (Glasgow): trampoline and adventure park with go-karting, laser quest and soft play areas. One hour ASN session Thursday at 7pm with flashing lights turned off and music turned down. Ticket price £9 with free carer entry: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/glasgow 
  • Sapphire Gymnastics Club (Maryhill): free play supported by coaches to teach skills individually or in a group. Sensory room also available. ASN session Thursday 11am (for age 1 – 4), cost £28 per month:  https://www.sapphire-gymnasticsclub.com/asn 

None

  • Active NL Football (Chryston): as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s inclusion classes they run football in the Iain Nicholson Centre on Saturday 11-12pm. Pre registration is required, a free taster session is available: https://www.activenl.co.uk/inclusion-classes 
  • Amazonia (M&Ds, Strathclyde Park): indoor tropical rainforest. ASN sessions every Saturday  at 10am which are stated to have less numbers. The animal handling session is at 11.30 and has space for 15 children, compared to 30 children for the other sessions, but this cannot be prebooked and is first come first served so you may find that it is sold out. As the animals can’t be overfed they may also sell out of animal food: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/attractions/amazonia/ 
  • Sapphire Gymnastics Club (Maryhill): free play supported by coaches to teach skills individually or in a group. Sensory room also available. ASN session Saturday 2.45 – 3.30 for age 5 plus, cost £28 per month:  https://www.sapphire-gymnasticsclub.com/asn 
  • Tumble Time Gymnastics (Bellshill): free play in a gymnastics gym with access to trampolines, beams etc. Parent supervision is required. ASN session Saturday 11am, £6 per child: https://www.tumbletime.fun/ 
  • Amazonia (M&Ds, Strathclyde Park): indoor tropical rainforest. ASN sessions every  Sunday at 10am which are stated to have less numbers. The animal handling session is at 11.30 and has space for 15 children, compared to 30 children for the other sessions, but this cannot be prebooked and is first come first served so you may find that it is sold out. As the animals can’t be overfed they may also sell out of animal food: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/attractions/amazonia/ 
  • Flip Out (Glasgow): trampoline and adventure park with go-karting, laser quest and soft play areas. One hour ASN session Sunday at 9am with flashing lights turned off and music turned down. Ticket price £9 with free carer entry: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/glasgow 
  • Jump Gymnastics (Cumbernauld): free play in a gymnastics gym with access to trampolines, beams etc. Parent supervision is required. ASN session Sunday 9.30am. £4.50 per person entering the gym (adults and children). Since January 2026 advance booking is needed: https://www.jumpgymnasticsclub.co.uk/ 

Suggested places to visit

Swimming pools

The list below are swimming pools that have been recommended by other parents: 

 

Hydrotherapy pools 

Session times vary and waiting lists can be long but you have exclusive access to the pool, normally at a cheaper rate than the other private hire pools. 

 

Private hire pools 

These pools are dearer than public swimming but you have exclusive use of the pool which some parents have found makes transitions from the pool to shower etc easier. Many book up quickly but it’s always worth checking for last minute cancellations, particularly if you can be flexible on dates and times. 

Most hires are for 1 hour, this includes time at the start and end to get changed so actual time in the pool will be around 45 minutes. 

The list below are venues other parents have suggested as meeting the needs of their families. All children are different; some love discos and noise, others prefer quiet, so we cannot guarantee that every venue will be right for you, but it may be somewhere to look for a break that you haven’t considered. 

  • Active Kids Adventure Park (Perth): large outdoor play areas, with a small softplay and cafe indoors. You need to book separate tickets for outdoor and indoor if you want to use the softplay. Carer tickets are free with a child ticket: https://www.activekidsadventurepark.co.uk/ 
  • Almond Valley (Livingston): numerous outdoor play areas, indoor softplay and cafe. Annual pass with carer is £55, or single ticket is £11: https://www.almondvalley.co.uk/ 
  • Baltic Street adventure play (Glasgow): supervised adventure playground for children from 6 to 12 years. Younger children are welcome with a carer or guardian. It is free to enter, children are free to come and go, and free to play as they choose. Registration required: https://www.balticstreetadventureplay.co.uk/ 
  • Cloybank (Banknock): small farm park with an indoor play area (this is currently being developed). Free to visit, £2 parking, own food is not allowed but can be bought on site along with animal food: https://www.cloybank.com/ 
  • Clyde Valley Farm Park (South Lanarkshire): outdoor play areas, safari train and farm animals. Annual membership is £56 each for a disabled person and their carer (standard rate £70) or a day ticket is £12.40 each when booked online. Cafe available on site: https://www.clydevalleyfamilypark.co.uk/ 
  • Helix Park (Falkirk): large play park situated beside the Kelpies statues. The Kelpies stand in water which is not fenced off so may be unsuitable for some children. Cafe available on site: https://www.thehelix.co.uk/ 
  • Parent Action For Safe Play Park (Coatbridge): Children & Youth Development Centre with a park that is open to all. Park is not enclosed and some parents have noted it can be busy, or with young people hanging around in it in the evening: https://www.facebook.com/ParentActionForSafePlay  
  • Polkemmet Park (Whitburn): not an enclosed play area but lots of play equipment. Refreshments are available in the visitor centre and the Scottish Owl Centre is on the same site: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/polkemmet 
  • Rouken Glen Park (Glasgow): large country park with a play park, skate park and basketball court. Tennis courts can be hired. Food vans, ice cream van, and bouncy castles operate from March to October on weekends and school holidays: https://www.roukenglenpark.co.uk/ 
  • Victoria Park (Glasgow): has a play park, pond, bowling green and tennis courts. It’s a 5 minute bus ride from Partick train station for those who like trains. There’s a shop close by called the Scotstoun Emporium that sells swan food, nets and buckets to catch things in the pond: https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/4194/Victoria-Park 
  • Bouncy Bees (Springburn): exclusive hire of their sensory room which includes a ball pit and a 14 foot trampoline. The room is on the first floor of a converted school and up a set of approx 50 stairs. There is no lift so unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchair access. Costs £30 per hour: https://bouncybees.uk/ 
  • Bridgeton Bus Garage (Glasgow): open on selected dates for tours and special events. Onsite cafe: https://gvvt.org/ 
  • Colour Play (Kirkintilloch): art free play, with many messy areas and activities such as drawing on the wall. Monthly passes are available; ASN pass for 1 participant and thr carer is £25 per month: https://colourplay.co.uk/ 
  • Glasgow Science Centre: lots of activities for different ages and many parents have reported that staff are very understanding and supportive of ASN children. Their website has a social story to help prepare for the visit and you can borrow ear defenders. Relaxed, autism-friendly hours run every Sunday from 10:00–13:00. Carer ticket is free with a child ticket: https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/ 
  • Golf It (Glasgow): adventure golf course, also run weekend events, and run Big Feed which are a variety of food trucks. Tickets from £6, under 4’s are free: https://www.golf-it.com/ 
  • Innoflate (Cumbernauld): large inflatable play centre. ASN session is the first Monday of every month, however management allow the centre to be open to everyone so it isn’t a quieter session, but two carers go free for those sessions (normally adults pay full rate). Can be hired for parties: https://innoflate.co.uk/cumbernauld/ 
  • Little Lions play cafe (Bellshill): indoor play area with different zones, a slide and a ball pit. For children up to age 6. Entry £6: https://littlelionsplaycafe.com/ 
  • Kids Grand Prix (Glasgow): go-karting and gaming centre. Run regular events and ASN sessions, and a younger child stay and play on a Tuesday from 10 to 1 with bouncy castles for £4.50. Can also be hired for parties: https://www.kidsgrandprix.co.uk/ 
  • Kiltoonies (Kilsyth): play centre replicating a mini town with areas such as hairdressers, doctors and fire station for children up to age 8. Run monthly ASN sessions. Ticket cost depends on time of day, adult tickets are £1.60. Can also be hired for parties: https://kiltoonies.co.uk/ 
  • Rainforest Adventure (Motherwell): large soft play centre which also has a sensory area. Children over 3 are £10.95, two adults can attend for free with each child. Quietest at opening time or a Sunday morning. Can also be hired for parties: https://www.rainforestadventuremotherwell.com/ 
  • Tree Top Tumble (Coatbridge): softplay located inside Mackinnon Mills, some parents have reported this to be a quieter softplay than other venues. £3.50 per child. Can also be hired for parties: https://treetoptumble.co.uk/ 
  • Valley View (Clyde Valley): has an adventure park, soft play, and also run pantomimes throughout the year such as at Easter. Membership prices have increased in recent years but an annual concession pass (which is valid for those with limited mobility) is £16, and £24 for adults: https://valleyviewatgouldings.com/ 
  • Kiltoonies (Kilsyth): play centre replicating a mini town with areas such as hairdressers, doctors and fire station for children up to age 8:  https://kiltoonies.co.uk/ 

The list below is specific sessions or workshops that are running in the school holidays, in addition to the suggested places to visit and ASN sessions listed above.

Easter

ASNsory Crew (Blantyre)

Run weekly stay and plan sessions throughout the year, additional sessions running during the holidays as shown in the photo.

Buffalo Farm (Kirkcaldy)

Daily ASN goat cuddling and play sessions and ASN animal handling sessions on 7th and 17th April.

Sleeping Beauty (Airdrie)

Easter pantomime at Airdrie Town Hall. 8th to12th April. No stated ASN sessions, wheelchair and accessible seats must be booked by phoning the box office.

Valley View at Gouldings (Clyde Valley)

Two shows running in addition to the play areas in the park.The Gingerbread Man - Friday 3rd – Sunday 19th April, two performances a day, 11am and 1pm.Easter magic show – Gary Dunn’s Magical Great Eggscape. 7th April, 11am and 1pm.

Snap Playscheme (East Kilbride)

Charity which provides fun and care for children with additional support needs from ages 5 to 16 over the summer holidays. Age 5-7 are part days, age 8 and up are full days.

Sensory and safety equipment and AAC devices

Items other families rate

The lists below are for some of the sensory equipment that our families have found helpful to calm and regulate their child, provide entertainment or just to have some fun. 

 

There will be lots of brands and stockists of similar items so it’s worth shopping around for a good deal, remembering websites like Discounts for Carers when shopping online to save more off the cost, or our list of grants to help with larger items such as beds. 

Sensory room ideas

The list below are some suggestions that other parents have included in a sensory room or sensory area of a room and examples of these items. Not all of these brands will be parent suggestions but are included as an example of the item. 

 

The charity Caudwell Children do two sensory packs which are available for a donation of £20 (the charity covers the other 80% of the cost of the items). One pack is for children under age 3, and the other for age 3 and over, and contain a range of items such as bubble tubes. You can apply for these on their website: https://www.caudwellchildren.com/families/equipment-and-sensory-packs/sensory-equipment/ 

 

  • Play kitchen for those who like water play, or to distract away from playing with kitchen or bathroom taps: https://amzn.eu/d/1Wfyr48 

Safe and reinforced beds 

  • Websites such as Reinforced Beds (https://www.reinforcedbeds.co.uk/) make specialists beds which are reinforced to withstand heavier weights, but also heavier use such as jumping on them. Some come with storage underneath or just a bed frame. 

Door locks 

  • Dreambaby Dial-It Adhesive Cupboard Door Strap Locks – have to be twisted then pushed before coming off: https://amzn.eu/d/cG2pzwW 
  • It is possible to get door and window sensors which beep when opened to alert you to your child leaving a room (or opening a window). There are a range of styles and brands available. North Lanarkshire Council’s assistive technology team are a good starting point to discuss what’s available and what might work best for your needs: https://hscnl.org.uk/assistive-technology-team/ 

 

Baby gates 

  • Some parents have chosen to use dog gates instead of baby gates as their child has grown as these tend to be taller (standard gates are approx. 73cm high).  
  • Some other parents have tried two gates on top of each other to block a larger section of the doorway, or installing a dutch door where the top and bottom are in separate sections so the bottom door can remain closed and the top open for sound and light. 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are designed to help with communication and include picture boards (PECs) and electronic apps.  ASN schools will use these to help the children communicate, and some of the common phrases, along with Makaton signs, may be found in mainstream schools. 

 

Devices with an AAC app installed can be borrowed from Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) to help you decide if it is right for your child before buying your own device or taking out an app subscription. SALT can also give advice on using the devices, and PECs even if they have not provided them. This approach may not be right for every child but many parents have had success with their child being able to communicate their needs and also build association between the word and the action. 

 

Tips: 

  • There is an element of trial and error with your child to add enough options without overwhelming them. 
  • It is easiest to keep it to simple requests to begin with, e.g. I want biscuit. Once they are confident using the device you can then expand the request with extra words, such as I want 2 biscuits please 
  • You can add pictures and make these personal to your child, e.g. instead of having a generic picture of a school you can add their school, their classroom etc. For food items you can use the picture of their cup and plate instead of generic ones, the exact yoghurts you have etc to build familiarity. 
  • It can take time to get used to the device, and use it regularly to communicate. It will require modelling of how to use the symbols, and it’s also helpful to have consistency with nursery or school to build understanding of the symbols and how to use them. 
  • There are numerous YouTube videos with tips on using the apps, or the app developers run courses of can be contacted directly for help. There is also a course called More than Words which used to be run by SALT; this can also be accessed online although it is expensive: https://www.londoncommunicationclinic.com/hanen-programs 

  

PECs 

PECS are physical story boards which can be used in a range of situations. These may be general communication, situations like transitions, now and next, planning activities for that day or week, or emotions.  

 

If your child receives SALT input through their nursery or school the therapist should be able to create specific PECs board for them to suit the situations they are in (such as I don’t understand, need help, it’s too noisy). 

 

Some sites recommended for having a range of images, or being good quality are: 

 

Apps 

  • Grid player: free AAC app that can be personalised. Less functionality than the other apps listed below but as it is free it may be a good starting point. Only available on Apple devices such as an ipad: https://www.my-therappy.co.uk/app/grid-player 

In an emergency

If there is any threat to life you should always call 999. The app ‘what three words’ is handy to have on your phone as it can tell an emergency service exactly where you are: https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app 

 

If the situation is not life threatening, but due to something like extreme weather, the emergency numbers to contact are below. 

It is strongly recommended to register with the Priority Services Register (PSR). This is a free UK service that covers gas, electricity and water supplies. It means you receive advance notice of power or water cuts, and if there is an emergency you are treated as a priority to be reconnected and also given access to alternative heating and cooking facilities. There is a range of criteria to register, but it applies if you have a child under age 5, use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water, have a disability or chronic illness, or have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition. There is more information here: https://www.thepsr.co.uk/ 

You should register directly with your gas, electricity and water suppliers. 

Gas

If you smell gas or suspect a leak phone: 0800 111 999 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  

BSL: report a gas emergency using SignLive 

 

If you are a council tenant you can report emergency repairs such as burst pipes or water leaks causing flooding, no cold water supply and no electrical supply directly to the council’s repairs team. 

North Lanarkshire Council: phone 0800 6781 166 (open 24 hours a day). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/housing-request-a-repair 

 

South Lanarkshire Council: phone 0303 123 1010 (Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm), or 0800 242024 (evenings and weekends). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200194/council_and_social_tenants/1907/housing_repairs/3 

If you get a power cut you can phone 105 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). They’ll connect you to the network operator for where you live in Scotland. You can also contact your network operator directly. 

 

If you’ve no electricity due to prepayment meter technical problems you can get help on the energy advice website or phone: 0808 196 8660 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) 

 

If you are a council tenant you can report emergency repairs such as burst pipes or water leaks causing flooding, no cold water supply and no electrical supply directly to the council’s repairs team. 

North Lanarkshire Council: phone 0800 6781 166 (open 24 hours a day). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/housing-request-a-repair 

 

South Lanarkshire Council: phone 0303 123 1010 (Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm), or 0800 242024 (evenings and weekends). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200194/council_and_social_tenants/1907/housing_repairs/3 

If you’ve a problem with your water supply contact Scottish Water. 

  • Phone: 0800 0778 778 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

If you are a council tenant you can report emergency repairs such as burst pipes or water leaks causing flooding, no cold water supply and no electrical supply directly to the council’s repairs team. 

North Lanarkshire Council: phone 0800 6781 166 (open 24 hours a day). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/housing-request-a-repair 

 

South Lanarkshire Council: phone 0303 123 1010 (Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm), or 0800 242024 (evenings and weekends). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200194/council_and_social_tenants/1907/housing_repairs/3 

You can get live information from Floodline which is run by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency). 

Phone 0345 988 1188 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

 

If you are a council tenant you can report emergency repairs such as burst pipes or water leaks causing flooding, no cold water supply and no electrical supply directly to the council’s repairs team. 

North Lanarkshire Council: phone 0800 6781 166 (open 24 hours a day). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/form/housing-request-a-repair 

 

South Lanarkshire Council: phone 0303 123 1010 (Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm), or 0800 242024 (evenings and weekends). Non emergency repairs can be reported online: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200194/council_and_social_tenants/1907/housing_repairs/3 

Emergency planning toolkit 

 

While none us want to think about us being seriously ill or not being around for our children, it can be helpful to think about what would happen if you weren’t able to be their primary carer. This may be short term such as going into hospital for an operation, or for a longer term period. Enable Scotland have created an emergency planning toolkit which let you set out things that would help someone else care for your child, including areas such as how they communicate, what their mealtimes look like, what medication they need and where it is kept etc. This would allow someone to keep your routines as close to normal as possible in the event of an emergency. You can find the document here: https://www.enable.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-resources/emergency-planning-toolkit 

Clothing and bedding

Clothing

Adaptive clothing is designed to make dressing easier, and so may have easier fastenings (velcro instead of buttons for example), or access or pouches to hold medical devices. 

 

Some clothing stores have also moved away from using sewn in neck labels in their clothes to make them more sensory friendly, such as Primark (https://www.primark.com/en-gb/a/inspiration/family-time/sensory-friendly-kidswear) and H&M.  

 

The stores below carry adaptive clothing ranges: 

 

General clothing 

 

School uniform 

 

Barefoot shoes 

Barefoot shoes are recommended by many parents as they have a wider toe box and designed to help children’s feet develop naturally without them being squashed. They can be more expensive than other shoe styles, but there have been more high street stores starting to offer these now which reduces the cost. 

  • Tu (Sainsburys): have offered styles in the past, none are currently available on their website 

 

Other parents searching for wide fit trainers have recommended Slazenger Zeal slip ons which are easy to put on and comfy: https://www.slazenger.com/slazenger-zeal-slip-on-shoe-mens-121158#colcode=12115803 

Many child sleeping bags (that can be worn) only go up to age 4. For older children who will not keep a blanket on them as they sleep, the brands below go up to age 6-7 

 

Some parents have also suggested using a fleece all-in-one suit over the top of pyjamas to keep their child warm at night. 

 

Some other bedding suggestions: 

  • Fidgetbum: this is a compression sheet which goes over the mattress and holds the duvet in place while also providing gentle compression: https://www.fidgetbum.com/ 

Other sources of support and information

Below are details of services provided by other charities/companies across Central Scotland. You can be a member of multiple organisations so it can be helpful to look at what services and events they offer to find what works best for your family. 

Advocacy

Advocates are people who can provide information on your rights, can provide support for you to express your views or can speak on your behalf, or on behalf of your child. This can be very useful for medical and educational meetings, particularly if you are having challenges or your concerns are not being listened to or addressed. 

 

The Scottish Government sets out that ‘Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) makes very clear that every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously. Advocacy helps to make that right a reality for those children and young people who, for whatever reason, would not otherwise be able or allowed to share their views about something.’ https://www.gov.scot/publications/childrens-advocacy-guidance/ 

The organisations listed below all offer professional advocacy services. 

  • Equals Advocacy Partnership: provides independent advocacy (one-to-one, collective and non-instructed) for people age 65+ in North Lanarkshire. For more information call 01698 327772 or email: admin@equalsadvocacy.org.uk 

There are a large number of organisations in Scotland and the UK which provide support for a range of additional needs. The list below is those which have been used and recommended by our parents. You can search for other organisations using this link on the Family Fund website, which lets you filter by category and location: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/support/discover-more/ 

In addition North Lanarkshire Council have a Community Learning and Development (CLD) service which is structured across 5 delivery teams: Adult Learning, Youth Work, Family Learning, Resettlement and Learning and Improvement. The teams work together to improve outcomes for children, young people, adults, and families through learning, and also run a series of workshops and youth groups. Airdrie offer a ASN youth group for those in S3+and all areas run a series of programmes over the summer holidays. Some areas also offer in school workshops for parents and children. The area contacts are: 

  • James Fagan, CLD Development Officer (Family Learning & Parenting) – Motherwell, Wishaw & Shotts: faganja@northlan.gov.uk  
  • Louise McLean, CLD Development Officer (Family Learning & Parenting) – Airdrie, Coatbridge & Bellshill: mcleanL@northlan.gov.uk  
  • Joanne Boyle, CLD Development Officer (Family Learning & Parenting) – Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Northern Corridor: boylejoa@northlan.gov.uk 
  • Central SLT: private speech therapist who can provide support and tailored plans in nurseries and school as well as online training: https://www.centralslt.com/ 
  • Craighalbert Centre (Cumbernauld): provide a fully funded early intervention programme for children under 5 who are at risk of developing a neurological condition or have a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of a neurological condition. Self referral is available: https://www.craighalbert.org.uk/early-intervention 
  • Empower Care (Coatbridge): provide child and adult services, including a sensory room which can be hired out. They run a drop off ASN youth club (age 13+) every Tuesday from 6 – 8pm (cost £6) and an adult ASN club with activities daily from Monday to Friday: https://empowercarescotland.org.uk/empower-asn-club/ 
  • Grow and Thrive (Polmont): provide private autism and ADHD assessments with a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrist and speech and language therapists: https://www.growandthrive.uk/ 
  • Lanarkshire Carers: large carer support charity covering both North and South Lanarkshire. They can provide a carers card which can be used for carer entry in a range of places, also have access to funds for short breaks and may be able to help with emergency funding. They have a large training programme, also offering many of their courses in different languages, online or in different North and South Lanarkshire venues, and also provide access to counselling and legal clinics: https://lanarkshirecarers.org.uk/ 
  • Hope for Autism: Lanarkshire charity supporting autistic people of all ages. Membership (paid) entitles you to four 1:1 parent/carer support sessions and one attendance at a school or nursery meeting. They also run regular training courses, family events and support groups: https://www.hopeforautism.org.uk/ 
  • Mindroom: neurodiversity charity providing online support, family and outreach specialists, and a transition service for young people leaving school: https://www.mindroom.org/  
  • Muir Practice: multi-disciplinary centre specialising in speech and language, and occupational therapy. Also carry out autism and dyslexia assessments for children and adults: https://www.themuirpractice.co.uk/ 
  • North Lanarkshire Carers Together: provide a range of support and training to help carers to build knowledge and skills to represent themselves effectively. On behalf of North Lanarkshire Council they also run a Neurodevelopmental Family Support service to work with the family and school to help support young people. Referral to this service must be by a school or nursery: https://www.carerstogether.org/ 
  • North Lanarkshire Disability Forum: support people with a disability, and those living with cancer, and their carers. They run a team of community connectors who provide 1:1 support on what opportunities and events exist in the local area, such as reconnecting someone with a past hobby or providing a social group. Their Little Care Hub provides a parent group and activities, offering sessions that are aimed at empowering people to connect with others and improve wellbeing: https://www.nldforum.org.uk/ 
  • One Parent Families Scotland: provide guidance and support on a wide range of topics specifically focussed on single parents, and can also help with benefit applications: https://opfs.org.uk/ 
  • Pamis: support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) their families, carers and professionals. They offer a range of leisure activities, breaks in their accessible house in Aberfeldy, and training and family support: https://pamis.org.uk/ 
  • Society of St Vincent de Paul (Ozanam clubs): social evening for adults and children with learning difficulties, providing a fun night out where people can socialise and participate in activities which include a weekly disco, bingo, football, computer games, and arts and crafts. Membership is open to anyone who has disabilities, regardless of their race or religious belief. Currently running in Viewpark and Carfin: https://www.ssvpscotland.com/special-works/ozanam-clubs/ 

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