Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in Dundee City
Dundee City, Scotland's fourth-largest urban area, offers dedicated SEND support tailored to its diverse communities, where over a third of neighbourhoods face higher deprivation levels than the national average, influencing services to prioritise inclusion and family wellbeing. As a compact city council, it delivers accessible help through local schools and initiatives like Every Dundee Learner Matters, focusing on attendance and progress for all children amid ongoing challenges in deprived areas. Parents can turn to Enquire, the impartial SENDIASS, for free guidance at any stage, providing reassurance as you navigate this journey together.
Alongside the support Dundee City offers through its schools and local initiatives, JakTrack gives you a practical way to build your own evidence base at home - capturing the everyday moments that matter most to your child's needs. Rather than scrambling to remember details before appointments or benefit reviews, you log what happened in just 30 seconds, and the app organises it all for you, so when you meet with professionals or need to make your case, you're walking in prepared and confident. Starting early means that by the time you need it - whether for a CSP process, a review, or a benefits application - you've already built weeks of real, organised evidence that shows exactly what support your child needs. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & ASN Provision
42
Schools
2
Specialist
2
ASN Units & Resource Bases
17,136
Total Pupils
6,801 pupils
Additional Support for Learning (ASL)
Dundee City 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
ASN / CSP Team
The team responsible for Coordinated Support Plans (CSPs) and additional support.
ASN Team
Dundee City Council Additional Support for Learning
Schools
Understanding 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 Dundee City.
Navigating SEND in Dundee City?
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.
See How JakTrack Helps