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Education

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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. 


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 

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