Warning of 'lost generation' of additional needs children without more support

A children’s services coalition has warned of the risk of a “lost generation” of children with additional support needs unless there is more investment to support them.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) has urged political parties to make provision for this group, which includes children with autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, a “central commitment” in the forthcoming Holyrood election campaign.

It comes after SCSC analysis of new figures contained in a parliamentary answer from Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth this month showed that average additional support for learning (ASL) spend per pupil has been cut by nearly a third (30.1%) over the last decade.

The figures show that average spending per pupil on ASL by local authorities in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £5,504 in the financial year 2014/15 to £3,804 in 2024/25 (based on 2024/5 prices).

This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £1,700 per pupil, representing a 30.1% drop, SCSC analysis found.

Over that period, the number of pupils identified with ASN has risen from 140,501 in 2014 to 284,448 in 2024, Scottish Government figures show.

Meanwhile, the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen from 3,077 in 2014 to 2,837 in 2024.

An SCSC spokesperson said: “It is deeply concerning to see cuts to spending that support children and young people with ASN. While there is a record amount of spending in support of those with ASN, this is offset by a dramatic increase in the number of pupils affected, meaning that spending per pupil has been slashed.

“We urge all political parties to make provision for this group a central commitment in their election campaigns.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government and local authorities increase resources to expand access to the likes of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, and classroom assistants.

“Without this investment, we risk a lost generation of children with ASN missing out on the care and support they need, when they need.

“Additionally, proper resourcing is essential if we are to achieve genuine classroom inclusion and close the educational attainment gap.

“We therefore expect that the national review of ASL provision should address the critical issue of sufficient resourcing.

“The Scottish Government and local authorities must work together to ensure properly funded, consistent support across Scotland for children and young people with ASN — some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are investing a further £28 million this year to support the additional support needs workforce, in addition to record spend of over £1 billion by local authorities on ASN in 2024-25, and the Scottish Government has committed to a wider review to explore what more can be done to support pupils and staff.

“To further help assist those with ASN needs, Janie McManus, the Scottish Government’s professional adviser for education, is leading a review of additional support for learning.

“This will conclude before the end of this parliamentary term, strengthening support for those with additional needs.

“All teachers already undertake ASN training during initial teacher education as a requirement to meet General Teaching Council standards.

“Scotland continues to have the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the best-paid teachers in the UK, and average class sizes in Scottish primary schools are smaller than in any other country in the UK.

“Since 2014, teacher numbers have increased by more than 2,700 thanks to Scottish Government investment, including a rise in 2025.”

Cosla has been asked for comment.