Glasgow

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Special Education Support

Support services and specialized schools are available for children with additional educational needs or disabilities.

Sections

1. Overview of Special Education Support in Glasgow

In Scotland, the term "Additional Support Needs" (ASN) is used instead of "Special Educational Needs" (SEN), as is common in other parts of the UK. Glasgow City Council, in partnership with the Scottish Government, provides a range of services to support children and young people with ASN. The support is guided by the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, which ensures that every child has the right to access education tailored to their needs.

2. Available Services

Glasgow offers a variety of services to support children with ASN. These services are designed to address a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, social/emotional challenges, and more.

Mainstream Schools with Support

  • Most children with ASN are educated in mainstream schools, where additional support is provided.
  • Schools have dedicated staff, such as Additional Support for Learning (ASL) teachers and classroom assistants, to help children with their specific needs.

Specialist Schools

  • Glasgow has several specialist schools and units for children with more complex needs. These schools provide tailored education and therapies, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
  • Examples of specialist schools in Glasgow include:
    • Kelbourne Park School (for children with complex learning needs)
    • Hampden School (for children with severe learning difficulties)
    • East Park School (for children with autism and complex needs)

Support Services

  • Educational Psychologists: Work with schools and families to assess and support childrenโ€™s learning and emotional needs.
  • Speech and Language Therapy (SALT): Provided for children with communication difficulties.
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps children develop skills for daily living and learning.
  • Sensory Support Services: For children with visual or hearing impairments.
  • Autism Support: Glasgow has dedicated resources for children on the autism spectrum, including tailored teaching strategies and sensory-friendly environments.

Transition Support

  • Support is available for transitions between different stages of education (e.g., from primary to secondary school) or into adulthood.

Parent and Family Support

  • Organizations like Enquire (Scotlandโ€™s advice service for ASN) and Glasgow Parent Carer Forum provide guidance and advocacy for families navigating the system.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for Special Education Support in Glasgow is determined based on the childโ€™s needs rather than a formal diagnosis. A child may qualify for support if they face barriers to learning due to:

  • Learning disabilities or difficulties
  • Physical or sensory impairments
  • Emotional or behavioral challenges
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Speech, language, or communication needs
  • Chronic illness or mental health conditions
  • Social or environmental factors (e.g., being a young carer or experiencing trauma)

Schools and professionals assess each child individually to determine the level and type of support required.

4. Costs

  • Public Education: Special Education Support in Glasgowโ€™s public schools is free of charge. This includes access to specialist staff, therapies, and resources provided by the local authority.
  • Private Education: Some families opt for private schools or independent specialist schools, which can be costly. Fees vary depending on the institution and services provided.
  • Additional Costs: While most services are free, families may incur costs for private assessments (e.g., private educational psychologist reports) or additional therapies not covered by the local authority.

5. Application Process

The process for accessing Special Education Support in Glasgow involves several steps:

Step 1: Identification of Needs

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

Step 2: Assessment

  • Schools conduct an initial assessment to determine the childโ€™s needs. This may involve input from teachers, ASL staff, and external professionals (e.g., educational psychologists or therapists).
  • If further assessment is required, the school may request support from Glasgow City Councilโ€™s ASN team.

Step 3: Developing a Support Plan

  • For children with significant needs, a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) may be created. This is a legal document outlining the childโ€™s needs, the support required, and the agencies involved.
  • Other plans, such as an Individualised Education Programme (IEP) or a Childโ€™s Plan, may also be used.

Step 4: Placement

  • Most children with ASN are supported in their local mainstream school.
  • If a specialist placement is required, the local authority will work with parents to identify the most suitable school or unit.

Step 5: Ongoing Review

  • Support plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate as the childโ€™s needs evolve.

6. Local Considerations and Cultural Aspects

  • Inclusive Education Ethos: Scotland has a strong commitment to inclusive education, meaning that children with ASN are encouraged to learn alongside their peers in mainstream settings wherever possible.
  • Parental Involvement: Parents are considered key partners in their childโ€™s education. Schools and local authorities are required to involve parents in decision-making processes.
  • Advocacy Services: Families can access free advocacy services, such as those provided by Enquire, to help them understand their rights and navigate the system.
  • Language Support: For families whose first language is not English, translation and interpretation services are available to ensure effective communication with schools and professionals.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Glasgow is a diverse city, and schools are experienced in supporting children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

7. Key Contacts and Resources

  • Glasgow City Council ASN Team: For information on local services and support.
  • Enquire: Scotlandโ€™s national advice service for ASN.
    • Website: Enquire
    • Helpline: 0345 123 2303
  • Glasgow Parent Carer Forum: Offers support and advocacy for families.
  • National Autistic Society Scotland: Provides resources and support for families of children with autism.

8. Tips for Families New to Glasgow

  • Engage Early: If you suspect your child has ASN, contact their school or nursery as soon as possible to begin the assessment process.
  • Learn Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 to understand your childโ€™s entitlements.
  • Build Relationships: Establish good communication with your childโ€™s school and key staff members.
  • Seek Support: Donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to local organizations and advocacy groups for guidance.

By understanding the services, processes, and cultural context of Special Education Support in Glasgow, families can ensure their children receive the help they need to succeed. If you have further questions or need specific assistance, feel free to ask!