Pupils with Additional Support Needs on rise as teacher numbers cut – figures

The number of pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN) has increased to record levels, with a third of all youngsters in Scotland’s classrooms now falling into this category.

New figures published by the Scottish Government showed there were 232,753 ASN students in school in 2021 – up from 226,838 the previous year.

The number of such students has now increased by more than 530% since 2007 – the year the SNP came to power – when the total was 36,544.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) said “cuts” in spending on ASN pupils and reductions in the number of special teachers would make it “extremely challenging” to close the education attainment gap.

An SCSC spokesman said: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need especially during, and as we come out of, the current Covid-19 crisis.

“This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.

“With evidence of cuts in spending per pupil with ASN and in the number of specialist teachers supporting this group, it is going to be extremely challenging to achieve this.”

Labour education spokesman, Michael Marra, accused the Scottish Government of having an “utter disregard for ASN pupils and specialists”.

He hit out: “Despite the number of ASN pupils rocketing, the SNP has slashed the number of specialists and the amount of support available.

“This is a cruel betrayal of thousands of young Scots – especially those from the poorest backgrounds.

“SNP education minister after education minister has failed the young people of Scotland. This has to end.”

Mr Marra added: “Scottish Labour will continue to put pressure on the SNP to support ASN pupils.”