Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire's vast rural landscape, spanning from coastal towns to remote Highland communities, shapes SEND support in Aberdeenshire by emphasising inclusive services across its 161 schools and specialist provisions, helping families no matter where they live. With a steadily growing population of over 265,000 - rising modestly compared to Scotland's faster pace - the council is tackling rising demands through targeted improvements like expanded swimming lessons, Scotland's largest programme, which halved waiting lists to better include children with additional needs. You're not alone in navigating this; Enquire, Scotland's independent SEND information service, offers free, impartial advice tailored to your situation, with a warm team ready to guide you every step.
In Aberdeenshire's far-flung communities, where distances can make every appointment feel daunting, JakTrack steps in as your steady companion, helping you feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as you build a clear picture of your child's needs. It quietly gathers daily evidence from sleep, meals, and behaviour, revealing patterns through gentle AI insights that empower you for CSP reviews or those expanded swimming sessions - leaving you walking into meetings with quiet confidence. Starting early lets that evidence grow naturally over time, so you're always one step ahead, no matter where home is. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & ASN Provision
161
Schools
4
Specialist
38
ASN Units & Resource Bases
35,949
Total Pupils
17,138 pupils
Additional Support for Learning (ASL)
Aberdeenshire operates under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004. Instead of EHCPs, children here may receive a Coordinated Support Plan (CSP).
Scotland Support Organisations
These national organisations can help families in Scotland navigate the additional support system:
Scottish national advice service for additional support for learning
Helping children and young people have their say about their support
Official guidance on additional support for learning
Local Services & Contacts
Enquire / ASN Advice
Free, independent advice and support for families navigating additional support needs in Scotland.
Enquire
Schools
Anna Ritchie School
Special100% ASNCarronhill School
Special100% ASNSt Andrew's School
Special100% ASNWestfield School
Special100% ASNFraserburgh North School
Primary79.3% ASNBanff Primary School
Primary71.1% ASNFraserburgh Academy
Secondary67.9% ASNCrimond School
Primary66.3% ASNBanff Academy
Secondary65.5% ASNPeterhead Academy
Secondary59.7% ASNTurriff Academy
Secondary59.1% ASNWesthill Academy
Secondary57% ASNSandhaven School
Primary56.5% ASNMintlaw Academy
Secondary56% ASNTurriff Primary School
Primary54.4% ASNKellands School
Primary53.8% ASNBanchory Primary School
Primary53.7% ASNEllon Academy
Secondary53% ASNGordon Primary School
Primary53% ASNDales Park School
Primary52.9% ASNInverurie Academy
Secondary52.7% ASNKemnay Academy
Secondary52.5% ASNPortlethen Primary School
Primary51.7% ASNBanchory Academy
Secondary50.6% ASNMearns Academy
Secondary50.4% ASNPort Erroll School
Primary49.1% ASNMackie Academy
Secondary48.8% ASNThe Gordon Schools
Secondary48.8% ASNAboyne Primary School
Primary44.4% ASNPortlethen Academy
Secondary44.1% ASNStrathburn School
Primary41.7% ASNMintlaw Primary School
Primary41.4% ASNCrombie School
Primary39.4% ASNAlford Primary School
Primary36.9% ASNLaurencekirk School
Primary35.6% ASNEllon Primary School
Primary35.5% ASNKintore School
Primary35.2% ASNMeldrum Academy
Secondary34.7% ASNMill O'Forest School
Primary29.5% ASNMeldrum School
Primary26.3% ASNAboyne Academy
Secondary25.2% ASNAlford Academy
Secondary22.3% ASNUnderstanding ASN provision in Scotland
Scotland operates under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, which takes a broader approach to identifying children who need extra help. Here's what you need to know:
Additional Support Needs (ASN)
Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, a child has additional support needs if they need more or different support to access education. This is broader than England's SEND definition - it can include family circumstances, bereavement, or English as an additional language, as well as disabilities and learning difficulties.
Coordinated Support Plan (CSP)
A CSP is Scotland's equivalent of an EHCP, reserved for children with complex or multiple needs requiring support from education AND at least one other agency (health, social work). Most children with ASN won't have a CSP - they'll receive support through the school's own planning. CSPs have legal protections including tribunal appeal rights.
Additional Support for Learning Coordinator
Every school should have someone responsible for coordinating additional support. While not a statutory role like England's SENCO, most schools designate a teacher or member of the leadership team to oversee ASN provision, coordinate with external agencies, and work with families.
Child's Plan & GIRFEC
Scotland's Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework means every child who needs one gets a Child's Plan. This is less formal than a CSP but ensures coordinated support. The Named Person (usually head teacher or health visitor) helps coordinate services. Most children with ASN are supported through a Child's Plan rather than a CSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about SEND support in Aberdeenshire.
Navigating SEND in Aberdeenshire?
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