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Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in North Lanarkshire

ScotlandCouncil Area
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North Lanarkshire, a large council area spanning urban towns and communities north of Glasgow, is committed to strong SEND support through ongoing improvements in education, including school exclusions that are now well below the Scottish average and attainment levels matching or exceeding national benchmarks in key areas like literacy and numeracy. Recent progress shows a narrowing of poverty-related gaps in learning, reflecting dedicated efforts to help every child thrive despite higher local deprivation challenges. Parents navigating this can turn to Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, for impartial guidance on SEND support in North Lanarkshire.

In North Lanarkshire's dedicated efforts to narrow learning gaps and support every child, JakTrack steps in as your reassuring companion, helping you feel prepared, supported, and truly in control amid the SEND journey. As you log daily moments effortlessly, the app quietly builds a powerful evidence base over time - starting early means walking into appointments with clear patterns and insights that speak for themselves. Families here tell us it brings a sense of calm, turning overwhelm into quiet confidence. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ASN Provision

154

Schools

13

Specialist

15

ASN Units & Resource Bases

48,345

Total Pupils

35.4%receive Additional Support

17,128 pupils

Additional Support for Learning (ASL)

North Lanarkshire 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 – Scottish advice service for additional support for learning

Schools

years old

Buchanan High

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-18151 pupils with ASNML5 2HT

Clydeview School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1847 pupils with ASNML1 3RE

Fallside School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1810 pupils with ASNG71 6JZ

Firpark Primary School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-18149 pupils with ASNML1 1DH

Firpark Special School - Secondary

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-18180 pupils with ASNML1 2PR

Mavisbank School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1830 pupils with ASNML6 0EB

Pentland School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-185 pupils with ASNML5 2HT

Portland High School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1814 pupils with ASNML5 3LG

Redburn School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-18137 pupils with ASNG67 2EL

Willowbank School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1826 pupils with ASNML6 6NX

Woodlands Park High School

Special100% ASN
Ages 5-1865 pupils with ASNML2 7EX

Glencryan School

Special93.6% ASN
Ages 5-18176 pupils with ASNG67 2XJ

Drumpark Primary School

Special86.4% ASN
Ages 5-18172 pupils with ASNML5 3ET

St Stephen's Primary School

Primary53.1% ASN
Ages 5-12153 pupils with ASNML5 4QH

Orchard Primary

Primary50.8% ASN
Ages 5-12121 pupils with ASNML2 0LS

Cumbernauld Academy

Secondary49.7% ASN
Ages 12-18531 pupils with ASNG67 2UF

St Aidan's Primary School

Primary46.8% ASN
Ages 5-12141 pupils with ASNML2 7EY

Brannock High School

Secondary45.9% ASN
Ages 12-18255 pupils with ASNML1 5AU

St Lucy's Primary School

Primary45.6% ASN
Ages 5-12123 pupils with ASNG67 3LQ

Caldervale High School

Secondary41.3% ASN
Ages 12-18455 pupils with ASNML6 8PG

St Margaret of Scotland Primary School

Primary39% ASN
Ages 5-1298 pupils with ASNG67 2PT

St Timothy's Primary School

Primary33.4% ASN
Ages 5-12140 pupils with ASNML5 5EA

New Stevenston Primary School

Primary33.2% ASN
Ages 5-1297 pupils with ASNML1 4HX

Hilltop Primary School

Primary31.6% ASN
Ages 5-12136 pupils with ASNML6 8BH

Dalziel High School

Secondary24.7% ASN
Ages 12-18245 pupils with ASNML1 3AG

Glencairn Primary School

Primary22% ASN
Ages 5-1278 pupils with ASNML1 1TT

Knowetop Primary School

Primary19.5% ASN
Ages 5-1295 pupils with ASNML1 2AG

Baird Memorial Primary School

Primary15.8% ASN
Ages 5-1229 pupils with ASNG67 4RA

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 North Lanarkshire.

Contact your child's school or North Lanarkshire Council's Inclusion Service to discuss your child's needs and request a CSP, which coordinates support for children with significant additional support needs. They will guide you through the process, involving assessments from education, health, and other services as needed. For more help, speak to your school principal or visit the council's website.
Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, helps parents in North Lanarkshire with information, advice, and support on their child's additional needs. They can assist with understanding rights, options like the CSP, and navigating education services. Call 0345 123 2303 or email [email protected] for free, impartial help.
North Lanarkshire has 13 Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools, plus 2 units for hearing and visual impairment, and 11 language and communications units across three localities. These provisions support children alongside 15 schools with SEN units. Most children attend their local mainstream school with extra help.
The Local Offer details all services and support available for children with additional needs in North Lanarkshire, including schools, therapies, and family help. Find it on the North Lanarkshire Council website at northlanarkshire.gov.uk under schools and learning or additional support sections. It helps parents explore options tailored to their child's needs.
The data does not specify exact timelines for the CSP process in North Lanarkshire, but it involves multi-agency assessments which can take several weeks to months depending on complexity. Contact your school or Inclusion Service for current guidance on stages and expected durations. Enquire can also advise on typical timescales.

Navigating SEND in North Lanarkshire?

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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