A rapid review of additional support for learning conducted by the former Chief Inspector of Education, Janie McManus, has highlighted a gap between Scotland’s ambition for inclusion and how additional support is experienced.
Reflecting on existing evidence, key findings from the report focus on significant challenges across the system based on fundamental changes to demand, including scale and complexity of need. There is also a recognition of needs emerging earlier across services with an increase in children in the early years requiring targeted or specialist support.
Shortages of specialist support staff, gaps in professional learning, delays in accessing specialist support and variations in capacity, resources and awareness of support pathways were also all noted as contributing to an implementation gap.
Recommendations for change
The review identified six key areas for action to strengthen delivery of additional support for learning and improve consistency and sustainability.
Recommendations include:
- Develop a shared model for intervention and planning to reduce variation
- Deliver a joined-up approach to professional learning, equipping staff with the knowledge, confidence and tools to support children and young people effectively
- Strengthen capacity to delivery early intervention, including timely access to specialist services
- Improve national and local approaches to understanding children and young people’s needs, progress and experiences for more informed decision making and better outcomes
- Ensure support for learning is embedded as a core consideration within the curriculum, including assessments, to reflect the full range of learners in mainstream classrooms
The report also suggests developing a clearer national delivery model for additional support for learning, including consideration of whether existing legislation and guidance is fully fit for purpose.
Reflecting reality
In the report, Janie McManus writes:
“The findings set out in this report reflect the realities of a system that is being asked to meet needs that have grown in scale and complexity. They also reflect the need for clearer national expectations, stronger alignment of roles and capacity, and better visibility of learners’ needs and progress.”
Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government have accepted all recommendations made in the report, with Education Secretary, Jenny Gilruth noting the “clear recommendations for the next Scottish Government to address”.
The report and recommendations were published on Thursday 12 March and comes as the Scottish Government prepare to break ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Elections.
The full report, including more detail on all the recommendations, is available on the Scottish Government website. View and download the Additional Support for Learning Review, led by Janie McManus.
Enquire provides a range of advice, information and practical tools for professionals working with children and young people who need additional support with their learning, from the early years and throughout their educational journey. Visit our professional pages to find out more.