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Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in East Dunbartonshire

ScotlandCouncil Area
Council website

East Dunbartonshire, a prosperous area north of Glasgow with low deprivation levels compared to much of Scotland, offers dedicated SEND support tailored to its mix of suburban towns and countryside communities. Families here benefit from strong educational outcomes and a stable local economy, which help underpin reliable services for children with additional needs, while the independent advice service Enquire provides free, impartial guidance every step of the way. Whether you're navigating assessments or exploring local options, rest assured that support is in place to help your child thrive in this welcoming environment.

While East Dunbartonshire's strong services provide a solid foundation, the reality is that navigating SEND assessments and benefit applications still requires you to gather and present evidence of your child's needs - and that's where JakTrack steps in to lighten the load. By logging everyday moments as they happen (how your child slept, what they managed at mealtimes, how they coped with transitions), you're building a detailed picture without the evening paperwork, so when assessment reviews or benefit checks come around, you'll have 90 days of organised evidence ready to go. Starting early means you're never scrambling at the last minute, and you can hand professionals a clear, one-page summary of what works for your child and what they need - turning those conversations into genuine partnerships rather than uphill battles. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ASN Provision

44

Schools

2

Specialist

6

ASN Units & Resource Bases

17,507

Total Pupils

26.8%receive Additional Support

4,684 pupils

Additional Support for Learning (ASL)

East Dunbartonshire 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:

Enquire

Scottish national advice service for additional support for learning

My Rights, My Say

Helping children and young people have their say about their support

Scottish Government ASL guidance

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

Parent Carer Forum

East Dunbartonshire Parent Forum / Contact Scotland

ASN / CSP Team

The team responsible for Coordinated Support Plans (CSPs) and additional support.

Request form

ASN Team

East Dunbartonshire Council Additional Support for Learning

Speech & Language Therapy

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Children's SALT

Occupational Therapy

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Children's OT

Schools

years old

Woodland View School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-18212 pupils with ASNG66 3LJ

Secondary Wellbeing

Special
Ages 5-18G66 1NH

Castlehill Primary School

Primary38.6% ASN
Ages 5-1286 pupils with ASNG61 4DL

Lenzie Academy

Secondary37.6% ASN
Ages 12-18515 pupils with ASNG66 4HR

Bishopbriggs Academy

Secondary29.8% ASN
Ages 12-18397 pupils with ASNG64 1HZ

Bearsden Academy

Secondary28.8% ASN
Ages 12-18354 pupils with ASNG61 3AX

St Ninian's High School

Secondary26.5% ASN
Ages 12-18236 pupils with ASNG66 1DT

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 East Dunbartonshire.

In East Dunbartonshire, schools use a staged intervention process to identify children who need extra help, starting with support in the classroom and moving to more specialist help if needed. To request a CSP, speak to your child's school or the Team Around the Child (TAC), who will assess needs through processes like the GIRFEC Liaison Group; a request form is available via the council. Contact your school or East Dunbartonshire Council for the next steps.
East Dunbartonshire's SENDIASS is called Enquire, which gives free, impartial information, advice, and support to parents and carers of children with additional support needs. They can help with understanding rights, the support process, and navigating services like CSPs. Call 0345 123 2303 or email [email protected] for confidential help.
East Dunbartonshire has 2 specialist schools, such as Woodland View School for ages 2-18 with complex needs, and 6 schools with SEN units for additional support. These provisions help children whose needs can't be fully met in mainstream classes. Around 26.8% of pupils (4,684 out of 17,507) receive SEN support across the area's 44 schools.
The Local Offer lists all the SEND services, support, and provisions available from East Dunbartonshire Council for children with additional needs, including schools, therapies, and advice. It helps parents understand what's on offer and how to access it. Visit the East Dunbartonshire Council website at www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk and search for 'Local Offer' or 'additional support needs'.
The assessment for a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) in East Dunbartonshire follows staged intervention, starting in school and involving TAC assessments, but specific timelines aren't detailed publicly. It depends on your child's needs and multi-agency input, so contact the school or Enquire for a realistic timeframe. Early discussions help speed things up.

Navigating SEND in East Dunbartonshire?

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