Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in Highland
Highland's vast rural landscape, stretching across remote communities and island groups, shapes SEND support in Highland by emphasising inclusive local services tailored to families often far from urban centres. As Scotland's largest council area by landmass, it faces unique delivery challenges yet benefits from strong community ties and initiatives like the Highland Council's ongoing child planning improvements to ensure timely help for children with additional needs. You're not alone - Enquire, your free impartial SENDIASS service, is here to guide you every step with expert advice and reassurance.
Whether you're juggling appointments across Highland's remote communities or preparing for a CSP review, JakTrack quietly captures the everyday moments that matter - how your child sleeps, eats, behaves, and learns - so you walk into every meeting with months of organised evidence already in your corner. Starting early means that pattern emerges naturally over time, giving you and Enquire real insights to work with rather than relying on memory alone. You'll feel the difference: less scrambling before reviews, more confidence in conversations, and the reassurance that nothing you're doing for your child is going unnoticed or lost. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & ASN Provision
195
Schools
3
Specialist
11
ASN Units & Resource Bases
29,672
Total Pupils
12,752 pupils
Additional Support for Learning (ASL)
Highland 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
Supporting Learners Team
Schools
Lochaber High School
Secondary65.5% ASNAviemore Primary School
Primary61% ASNNairn Academy
Secondary53.3% ASNDingwall Academy
Secondary49.2% ASNMillburn Academy
Secondary46.3% ASNWick High School
Secondary37.6% ASNThurso High School
Secondary34.7% ASNNewton Park Primary
Primary29.5% ASNMillbank Primary School
Primary27.4% ASNNoss primary school
Primary27.4% ASNMount Pleasant Primary School
Primary24% 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 Highland.
Navigating SEND in Highland?
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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