We understand that the world of additional support for learning can be challenging and it can be easy to get tangled in knots. That’s why our newest downloads are designed to bust some myths, answer key questions and highlight where to go for trusted and accurate advice.
From parents and carers looking for advice and information, to professionals seeking continuous learning and development, there is often a common thread – the world of additional support for learning is challenging and complex to navigate and there is a need for clear, concise and accurate information.
Our new Untangling ASL webpages are designed to address this by answering some frequently asked questions and sharing information to help improve understanding around additional support needs, children’s rights and support for learning – as well as where to seek support.
Scottish Government Additional Support for Learning Action Plan
Developed and funded as part of the Scottish Government’s ASL Action Plan, the new Untangling ASL resources are a direct response to the awareness raising actions identified in the plan.
This of course sits squarely within Enquire’s everyday activity as Scotland’s national advice and information service for additional support for learning. However, it also presented an opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise, providing helpful resources for others to use, and building and strengthening relationships with organisations supporting those we are hoping to reach.
We are appreciative of input from the organisations on both the ASL Project Board and the ASL Network in developing something useful for everyone to help communicate with different audiences.
Information and awareness raising tools for everyone to use
The Untangling ASL work is designed to give others helpful tools to communicate with their audiences about additional support for learning.
Currently on the Untangling ASL pages you’ll find a series of information cards for use on social media, such as:
- FAQs – a series of cards answering some of the most frequently asked questions
- General information for sharing with parents and carers – including the right to support under law, that there is no need for a formal diagnosis to be entitled to support and that one size does not fit all and support should be tailored to every individual
- General information for sharing with professionals – including the responsibility to provide additional support for any child who might need it, with or without a diagnosis, and what this might look like.
These are complemented with a downloadable guide which provides an overview of the work, key messages for each audience and suggested text for use on social media.
Building the resource bank
These initial downloads are the first stage of work to provide useful, practical tools that can be accessed and shared by anyone.
We will be adding content to these pages over time. New additions will have a particular focus on building and maintaining positive relationships, meaningful inclusion and engagement with children and young people, and celebrating success in different forms. Alongside this we will be developing tools and resources for use directly with children and young people to help them understand their rights and how to access support.
Keep checking back on our Untangling ASL page and our social media accounts to see how the work progresses.
Untangling ASL together
Through this work, and a shared commitment to start to untangle some of the complexities around the additional support for learning world, we hope to provide clear, trusted and accessible information, separating fact from fiction, and highlighting that there is support and help out there. No-one should be navigating this alone.
So, if you, or your organisation, work directly to support children and young people with additional support needs, their families, or professionals who may be involved in delivery and support of their education, our new page is for you.
Help us in our mission #UntanglingASL
Jennifer Drummond is Enquire’s Senior Communications and Engagement Officer and has been leading the development of the Untangling ASL pages.
Jennifer Drummond
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
About JenniferJennifer is Senior Communications and Engagement Officer with Enquire where she leads on all communications work on behalf of the service. She also works to build relationships and develop partnership working with other organisations supporting parents, carers, professionals and children and young people involved in or navigating the world of additional support for learning. Previously, Jennifer worked within the central Children in Scotland communications team where she was Editor of the member magazine for 10 years. Prior to this, she worked for a leading political communications and events company and in public relations in the private sector.