Watchdog highlights ASN gap

WATCHDOGS have called for action to tackle the “gap between ambition and reality” for children with additional support needs (ASN).

Around one-third of pupils in Scotland’s schools have some form of additional needs, with about 233,000 affected.

But the Accounts Commission, which scrutinises local councils, claimed these young people are not always getting the help they need.

Commission member Stephen Moore said it could be “distressing and frustrating” to hear how families have to “fight” to get the support their children need to help with their education.

In a blog post on the Commission’s website, he said that while all youngsters should “get the support they need, empowering them to reach their full potential and live the life they choose”, this was not “consistently being delivered in practice”.

Mr Moore said: “Schools, councils and other public bodies are required to work together to provide the right type of support. But this isn’t always happening.”