ADDITIONAL support for learning (ASL) provisions in Scotland must be “fundamentally evaluated” by Government and councils, a watchdog has said.
Audit Scotland released its report on Thursday, finding 40% of Scotland’s pupils receive some form of ASL support, most of which is provided in mainstream classrooms.
But the proportion in Scotland’s most deprived areas is almost double that of the least deprived areas – 46% compared to 27%.
Pupils receiving support usually experience worse outcomes, the report found, with a 20% gap in attainment, being less likely to move on to a “positive destination” after school, and being five times more likely to be excluded from school.
The report said: “Providing ASL is an increasingly core part of what classroom teachers do.
“However, the Scottish Government has not planned effectively for the potential impact of this inclusive approach to ASL.
“It is not specifically reflected in funding formulas for education and education planning, such as training for teachers and support staff, class sizes and the design of school. But the proportion in Scotland’s most deprived areas is almost double that of the least deprived areas buildings.
“The Scottish Government and councils need to fundamentally evaluate how education is funded, staffed and assessed to support all pupils to reach their full potential.
“They also need to consider the continual growth in pupils requiring ASL within their wider approach to improving child development.”
The report also identified data gaps which make it difficult to assess how ASL is being rolled out across Scotland.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All children and young people should receive support to reach their full potential and should not face barriers to their learning.
“Scotland’s inclusive approach to education is enshrined in the Additional Support for Learning Act (2004) and has a broad consensus of support.
“The Scottish Government welcomes Audit Scotland’s report. Ministers will engage with Audit Scotland to consider its recommendations carefully alongside local authorities, who carry the statutory responsibility for Additional Support for Learning in our schools.
“Since the ASL (Scotland) Act was enacted in 2004 the number of pupils in schools with ASN has increased to 40%, which does present challenges.
“That’s why the 2025-26 budget includes an additional £29 million for ASN, building on the record investment of over £1 billion spent by local authorities in the last year alone.
“It is encouraging that school leaver destinations for pupils with ASN are at near-record levels, and we are seeing record achievement through curriculum for excellence.”
