Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in City of Edinburgh
In the bustling urban heart of Scotland, City of Edinburgh offers a comprehensive range of SEND support tailored to its diverse population of over 530,000 residents, with services shaped by the city's mix of vibrant communities and areas of deprivation alongside many more affluent neighbourhoods. Parents navigating this system can turn to Enquire, the local SENDIASS, for free, impartial advice to help ease the journey. While Edinburgh faces typical urban challenges like high demand, ongoing council initiatives through area profiles and statistical reports highlight strengths in education and health provision, ensuring children with additional needs receive targeted help in this dynamic city.
In the dynamic landscape of City of Edinburgh, where high demand meets targeted education and health support, JakTrack empowers families to feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as they partner with services like Enquire. By quietly capturing daily evidence from your routine, it reveals patterns over time, so starting early builds a strong foundation that makes appointments and CSP processes feel less daunting. You'll walk into every meeting knowing you're advocating from a place of quiet confidence. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & ASN Provision
124
Schools
10
Specialist
10
ASN Units & Resource Bases
53,895
Total Pupils
24,826 pupils
Additional Support for Learning (ASL)
City of Edinburgh 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
Kaimes School
Special100% ASNOaklands School
Special100% ASNPilrig Park School
Special100% ASNProspect Bank School
Special100% ASNRedhall School
Special100% ASNRowanfield Special School
Special100% ASNSt Crispin's School
Special100% ASNWestfield Secondary (Previously Gorgie Mills Special School)
Special100% ASNWoodlands School
Special100% ASNBraidburn Special School
Special93.2% ASNRoyal Mile Primary School
Primary83.9% ASNLeith Academy
Secondary70.6% ASNStenhouse Primary School
Primary66.4% ASNDrummond Community High School
Secondary58.9% ASNMurrayburn Primary School
Primary57.1% ASNSt Thomas Of Aquin's High School
Secondary56.2% ASNBroughton Primary School
Primary52.7% ASNSt Cuthbert's RC Primary School
Primary50.6% ASNCraigmount High School
Secondary37% ASNCraigentinny Primary School
Primary32.9% 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 City of Edinburgh.
Navigating SEND in City of Edinburgh?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for Coordinated Support Plan (CSP) reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
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