Additional support for learning: action plan (updated October 2021)

2.1 Integration of ASL into Independent Review of CfE

Recommendation

The Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence must fully integrate the findings of this review and focus on all children, affording equity to those with additional support needs.

Response

Accept

Actions to be taken forward - Oct 2020

The Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence will draw on relevant international and Scottish data and available evidence from education stakeholders and partners. This will include the review of implementation of additional support for learning.

Delivery Timescale

The Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence was published in June 2021.

Status Oct 2021

Complete

Progress made:

The Scottish Government commissioned the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to undertake an independent review of Curriculum for Excellence to help to better understand how the curriculum is being designed and implemented in schools across Scotland, and to identify areas for improvement. The OECD published its findings in June 2021. The Terms of Reference of the Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence included consideration of the recommendations from the ASL Review.

The OECD report concluded that while Curriculum for Excellence was the right approach, it made recommendations for improvement. The Scottish Government's response to the OECD report, accepted all 12 of the recommendations and committed to working with learners, parents and carers and professionals to take forward education reform. As part of this, a new Children and Young People's Education Council has been established to ensure that the voices of those most affected by any changes in education are always heard in strategic discussions. Young people are also represented on the Scottish Education Council.

2.1.1

Recommendation

To fully achieve this, the Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence must maintain a strong and central focus on the experience of all children and young people, parents and carers and the professionals in closest connection with them.

Response

Accept

Actions to be taken forward - Oct 2020

The Guiding principles of the independent review were that: "Young people's experience and learning should be the most important consideration throughout the review, and this should consider the experiences of all learners, including those with additional support needs." And "The review will be collaborative, involving Scottish education stakeholders (in particular through Scotland's Curriculum and Assessment Board) and practitioners throughout the process."

Delivery Timescale

The Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence was published in June 2021.

Delivery Timescale

Status Oct 2021

Complete

Progress made:

Between September 2020 and April 2021, the OECD Project Team engaged with a range of stakeholders to hear evidence which informed their review. This included engagement with Scottish Government officials; representatives from across local authorities; officials at Education Scotland; the Chair of ASLIG; parental organisations, including the National Parent Forum Scotland (NPFS); children and young people's organisations, including the Children's Parliament and Children in Scotland; and headteacher and teacher professional bodies and unions, including the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS). The OECD also met with the Curriculum and Assessment Board which includes a range of education stakeholders.

A full list of the engagement activity is provided within Annex B of the OECD report.