Extensive engagement with stakeholders agreed for Additional Support Needs (ASN) transformation in Highland
A proposal for extensive Member and stakeholder engagement, following on from work undertaken in ASN transformation since February 2020, has been agreed at today’s (18 November) Education Committee.
Chair of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “Earlier this year, Members heard the results of ASN consultations which had taken place across Highland and noted several actions which were required to take place. It is great to receive the report, presented at Committee today, which gives us an update of the progress that has taken place since February. I am also pleased to note that although Covid-19 had an impact on the initial timescales, the pandemic has not halted our ability to progress with this transformation.
“In recent months, we have placed great focus on the safety of our pupils and their return to education. This, of course, remains a focus but this report highlights that we have also been working hard to continue to support our children and young people with additional support needs. To continue do this effectively, our response must include engagement between Officers, Members, our staff, parents, and our pupils themselves.
“I am delighted we can approve the proposed next steps in our ASN transformation and I am looking forward to reviewing the findings in the new year.”
The progress of work to date includes a review of the allocation model which then established a working group to review the needs of Highland and the alternative models used in other local authorities, key success criteria, and a review of the role and remit of Pupil Support Assistants in line with the Additional Support for Learning Improvement Group (ASLIG).
The proposed timeline of engagement in the report outlines the commencement of staff, pupil, parent and third sector/community group engagement to occur this month and the beginning of December. It is proposed that the collation and analysis of responses will take place into the new year where an updated report will then be brought back to the Education Committee in 2021.