Planning for learning

Most children and young people cope well at school, but some require additional help to support their learning.

Additional Support Plan (ASP)

The Additional Support Plan (ASP) helps staff plan and deliver a more effective curriculum for children and young people with additional support needs.

The ASP is a holistic plan that provides an overview of the agreed interventions and supports required to meet a child or young person’s needs. It contains several optional sections, and only the parts relevant to the pupil will be used.

What an ASP may include

• information about key professionals involved (the child’s Network of Support)
• a summary of the child or young person’s additional support needs
• long‑term and short‑term curriculum targets
• multi‑agency targets
• a behaviour management plan
• a section for looked‑after children and young people
• a page for parent/carer and child/young person comments
• a review meeting template

Co‑ordinated Support Plan (CSP)

Some children require support not only from school but also from other services such as Social Work and NHS teams. A Co‑ordinated Support Plan (CSP) ensures that everyone involved works together to meet the child’s learning needs.

When a CSP must be set up

A CSP is required when all of the following apply:

• the child has complex or multiple needs
• the additional support needs are expected to last more than one year
• the child requires significant support from Education Resources and at least one other agency to meet their learning targets.

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 sets out our legal duties to identify and support children who need extra help in school. If a request made under the 2004 Act is refused, such as a placing request or a request for a Co‑ordinated Support Plan, you can use an independent mediation service.

Mediation services

Mediation helps parents, carers and the education authority talk through concerns and work towards a solution.

Mediation is available through Resolve: ASL:

• Website: Resolve: ASL
• Phone: 0131 313 2322
• Email: info@childreninscotland.org.uk

Advice, support and advocacy

Independent organisations can offer advice, information and advocacy, including:

• Enquire – 0345 123 2303 | info@enquire.org.uk
• Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance – 0131 524 1975 | enquiry@siaa.org.uk
• Govan Law Centre Trust – 0141 445 1955 | advice@edlaw.org.uk