Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice and associated regulations: consultation analysis

Chapter 2 Additional Support Needs

1. Chapter 2 considers the meaning of the terms "additional support needs" and "additional support" and considers the factors that may give rise to the need for additional support. Q3 asked, "Is the information provided in Chapter 2 appropriate? If you selected no, please provide details of additional information which should be included or removed and a brief reason for it."

Results

2. Again, comments were mainly positive, for example, "Again clear information on the rights of parents/carers and children and young people in Act including clear reasoning and instructions around LAC [Looked After Children] pupils"

3. Some comments asked for further information around examples of additional support needs, or professional supporting children/young people to be added:

• One comment suggested that there should be a case example in the Code of a child with a speech and language difficulty. The Code includes a case study ('Phillipa'), where a speech and language therapist is involved. Therefore no further amendment has been made.
• It was suggested that Educational Psychologist role in supporting schools and children should be referred to. Educational Psychologists are highlighted throughout the Code, as an example of one of the professionals that may be involved with working with a child/ young person with additional support needs. In addition, the Code has a case study ('Mark') which refers to an educational psychologist.
• It was requested that information on exclusions and their prevention be added. A reference to Scottish Government guidance, Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: A Positive Approach to Preventing and Managing School Exclusions http://www.gov.scot/publications/included-engaged-involved-part-2-positive-approach-preventing-managing-school/, has therefore been added.
• further clarification was requested in some areas; including the specific requirements in relation to children and young people who may receive support before they start primary school (looked after children, pre-school children and children with disabilities.) Clarification has been added.
• The phrase 'personal support' has been removed as requested, due to its potential meaning in relation to intimate care which is not the intention in this context. Alternative references to support or additional support have been added where appropriate.
• A further amendment was made to recognise that support for those children and young people affected by mental health concerns may be provided by other services in addition to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, as this was raised by one response.