Edinburgh

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Special Educational Needs and Support

Support and resources for children and adults with special educational needs.

Sections

1. Legal Framework and Definitions

In Scotland, the term "Additional Support Needs" (ASN) is used instead of "Special Educational Needs" (SEN). ASN covers a broad range of needs, including learning difficulties, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, and circumstances such as being a young carer or having English as an additional language.

The key legislation governing ASN in Scotland is the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended in 2009. This law places a duty on local authorities to identify, assess, and provide support for children and young people with ASN.

2. Available Services in Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Council provides a variety of services and support for children and young people with ASN. These services are designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and include:

a. Mainstream Schools with Support

  • Most children with ASN are educated in mainstream schools, where additional support is provided as needed.
  • Schools have access to specialist staff, such as Additional Support for Learning (ASL) teachers, classroom assistants, and educational psychologists.

b. Specialist Schools and Units

  • For children with more complex needs, there are specialist schools and units within Edinburgh. Examples include:
    • Kaimes School: For children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
    • Braidburn School: For children with severe and complex needs.
    • Oaklands School: For children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
  • These schools provide tailored education and therapies in a supportive environment.

c. Educational Psychology Service

  • Educational psychologists work with schools, families, and children to assess needs and develop strategies to support learning and well-being.

d. Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)

  • SLT services are available for children with communication difficulties. Referrals can be made through schools or healthcare providers.

e. Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

  • These services support children with physical disabilities or motor skill challenges. They are often provided in collaboration with the NHS.

f. Autism Support

  • Edinburgh has specific resources for children with autism, including tailored teaching strategies, sensory rooms, and social skills programs.

g. Mental Health and Well-being Support

  • Services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and school-based counseling are available for children with emotional or behavioral challenges.

h. Transition Support

  • Support is provided for transitions, such as moving from primary to secondary school or from school to further education, training, or employment.

3. Categories of Support

Support is tailored to the individual needs of the child and may include:

  • In-class support: Additional staff or resources to help the child access the curriculum.
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): A plan outlining specific goals and strategies for the child.
  • Coordinated Support Plans (CSPs): For children with complex or multiple needs requiring input from multiple agencies.
  • Specialist equipment: Such as communication aids or mobility devices.
  • Therapeutic interventions: Including speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling.

4. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for ASN support is broad and includes:

  • Learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism).
  • Physical or sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or visual impairments).
  • Social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties.
  • Long-term health conditions.
  • Circumstantial factors (e.g., being a young carer, experiencing trauma, or having English as an additional language).

The local authority is responsible for identifying and assessing a childโ€™s needs. Parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals can raise concerns and request an assessment.

5. Costs

  • Education and support for children with ASN in Scotland are provided free of charge through the state education system.
  • Specialist equipment, therapies, and additional staff support are funded by the local authority or the NHS.
  • Independent or private schools may charge fees, but some offer bursaries or scholarships for children with ASN.

6. Application Process

The process for accessing ASN support in Edinburgh typically involves the following steps:

a. Identification of Needs

  • Needs can be identified by parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals.
  • Concerns should be raised with the childโ€™s school or nursery in the first instance.

b. Assessment

  • The school or local authority will carry out an assessment to determine the childโ€™s needs. This may involve input from educational psychologists, therapists, or other specialists.

c. Development of a Support Plan

  • Based on the assessment, the school will create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Coordinated Support Plan (CSP) if multiple agencies are involved.

d. Implementation and Review

  • Support is implemented in the school setting and reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the childโ€™s needs.

e. Appeals

  • If parents are unhappy with the support provided, they can appeal to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland.

7. Local Resources and Support Groups

Edinburgh has a range of local resources and organizations that provide additional support for families and children with ASN:

a. Enquire

  • Scotlandโ€™s national advice service for ASN.
  • Provides information and guidance to parents and carers.
  • Website: www.enquire.org.uk

b. VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian)

  • Offers support for parents and carers of children with ASN.
  • Website: www.vocal.org.uk

c. Lothian Autistic Society

  • Provides support and activities for children and young people with autism and their families.
  • Website: www.lothianautistic.org

d. The Yard

e. NHS Lothian

  • Provides healthcare services, including therapies and mental health support.
  • Website: www.nhslothian.scot

f. Parent Councils and Advocacy Groups

  • Many schools have parent councils or advocacy groups that can provide peer support and advice.

8. Cultural Considerations

  • Scotland places a strong emphasis on inclusion and equality in education.
  • Parents and carers are encouraged to be actively involved in their childโ€™s education and support planning.
  • Schools and local authorities are legally required to consider the views of the child and their family when planning support.

9. Tips for Families

  • Communicate regularly with the school: Build a strong relationship with teachers and support staff.
  • Keep records: Document all communications, assessments, and plans related to your childโ€™s support.
  • Seek advice: Use resources like Enquire or advocacy services if you need help navigating the system.
  • Get involved: Join local support groups or parent councils to connect with other families and share experiences.

Edinburgh offers a robust and inclusive system for supporting children and young people with ASN. By understanding the available services, processes, and resources, families can ensure their children receive the support they need to succeed.