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Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in East Lothian

ScotlandCouncil Area
Council website

East Lothian, a smaller council area blending coastal towns and rural communities east of Edinburgh, offers dedicated SEND support tailored to its unique landscape, where services prioritise family involvement amid lower deprivation levels than much of Scotland. Young people here benefit from strong educational outcomes, with recent data showing school leavers achieving the second-highest rate of positive destinations in Scotland at 97.9% - well above the national average - reflecting effective transitions for those with additional needs. For impartial guidance through the system, get in touch with Enquire, Scotland's SEND information and support service.

While East Lothian's strong support systems and positive outcomes create a solid foundation, navigating the SEND process still requires careful documentation and planning - which is where JakTrack steps in. By capturing everyday moments like sleep patterns, meals, and behaviour in just 30 seconds a day, you build a genuine evidence base that grows quietly in the background, ready whenever you need it for benefit applications, CSP reviews, or appointments with professionals. Starting early means that by the time a crucial meeting arrives, you'll walk in feeling prepared and in control, with months of real patterns at your fingertips rather than scrambling to remember what happened when. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ASN Provision

41

Schools

0

Specialist

9

ASN Units & Resource Bases

15,080

Total Pupils

37.8%receive Additional Support

5,703 pupils

Additional Support for Learning (ASL)

East Lothian 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

Schools

years old

Rosehill High School

Secondary59.5% ASN
Ages 12-18284 pupils with ASNEH21 8BF

Preston Lodge High School

Secondary55.1% ASN
Ages 12-18588 pupils with ASNEH32 9QJ

Ross High School

Secondary51.7% ASN
Ages 12-18634 pupils with ASNEH33 2EQ

Sanderson's Wynd Primary School

Primary46.7% ASN
Ages 5-12147 pupils with ASNEH33 1DA

Knox Academy

Secondary41.2% ASN
Ages 12-18381 pupils with ASNEH41 4DT

Musselburgh Grammar School

Secondary39.9% ASN
Ages 12-18347 pupils with ASNEH21 7BA

Windygoul Primary School

Primary30.8% ASN
Ages 5-12161 pupils with ASNEH33 2QF

Dunbar Primary School

Primary29.1% ASN
Ages 5-12264 pupils with ASNEH42 1DG

Wallyford Primary School

Primary27.2% ASN
Ages 5-12137 pupils with ASNEH21 8FF

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 Lothian.

To request a statutory assessment or CSP in East Lothian, you should contact East Lothian Council's education department. You can also get free, impartial advice about the assessment process from Enquire, East Lothian's SENDIASS service, by calling 0345 123 2303 or emailing [email protected]. They can guide you through the steps and help you understand your rights.
Enquire is East Lothian's free SENDIASS service that provides information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25. They offer confidential, accurate and impartial guidance on special educational needs and disability matters, including help with assessments, CSPs, and understanding your child's rights. You can contact them on 0345 123 2303 or [email protected].
East Lothian has 9 schools with dedicated SEN units that provide specialist support within mainstream settings. While there are no standalone specialist schools in the area, these units offer tailored provision for children with additional support needs. For details about which schools have SEN units and what support they offer, contact East Lothian Council's education team or speak to Enquire for guidance.
The Local Offer is a guide that shows what support and services are available for children and young people with SEND in your area. It includes information about education, health, social care and other support. You can find East Lothian's Local Offer on the East Lothian Council website, or contact Enquire on 0345 123 2303 for help navigating it.
East Lothian offers a range of support services including the Children's Disability Team, mental health services through CAMHS, leisure and activity programmes like Star Youth Club and Pennypit Youth Club, and specialist support for autism through STAND. Many services don't require a social work referral, and you can find a comprehensive list on East Lothian Council's website or by contacting the Children's Disability Team for more information.

Navigating SEND in East Lothian?

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