How is the SNP supporting children with additional needs?

We want all children and young people to get the most out of the learning opportunities available to them, which means ensuring every young person is given an equal chance to fulfil their potential. In Scotland, we have an inclusive educational system which focuses on overcoming barriers to learning and getting it right for every child (GIRFEC).

In recognising existing challenges, an additional £28 million was presented in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget to develop the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) education workforce along with an enhanced offer in support, spanning all stages of the curriculum from the early years to the end of secondary.

Further funding of £1 million is also being made available to support national initiatives which will help to recruit and train more ASL teachers – bringing the ASL investment to £29 million.

This will directly impact the classroom experience by ensuring that children who need the most support receive it and that the staff who deliver that support are properly equipped.

The Scottish Government has committed to holding a national conference on best practice in relation to additional support needs and is continuing to work with COSLA on arriving at a national understanding of how we measure ASN better to get the most accurate picture.