JakTrack
Get StartedSign In
All Local Authorities

Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Services in Shetland Islands

ScotlandCouncil Area
Council website

Shetland Islands is a small, rural council area in Scotland with a close-knit community where SEND support is delivered across 27 schools serving around 2,668 pupils. As an island authority, Shetland faces unique challenges in providing specialist education services, but the local landscape also brings advantages - lower levels of economic deprivation than the Scottish average and strong community connections that can support families navigating the SEND system. If you're new to SEND support in Shetland Islands, this guide will help you understand what's available locally, how to access assessments and support, and how to get impartial advice through Enquire, the local information, advice and support service. Whether your child is receiving support in a mainstream classroom, a resource base, or one of the six schools with dedicated SEN units, you'll find practical information here to help you advocate for your child's needs.

In Shetland's close-knit community, having a clear record of your child's daily patterns can make all the difference when working with schools and support services. JakTrack helps you build that evidence naturally over time, capturing the details that matter - how your child sleeps, eats, and manages their behaviour - so you're never scrambling to remember specifics before an important appointment or assessment. By spotting patterns through the app's insights and having everything organised in one place, you'll feel more prepared and confident when discussing your child's needs with professionals, whether that's at your child's school, during a CSP process, or when exploring what support might help them thrive. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ASN Provision

27

Schools

0

Specialist

6

ASN Units & Resource Bases

2,668

Total Pupils

43.8%receive Additional Support

1,168 pupils

Additional Support for Learning (ASL)

Shetland Islands 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

0345 123 2303[email protected]Website

ASN / CSP Team

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

01595 744024[email protected]

ASN Team

Children's Services (Inclusion)

01595 744000[email protected]Website

Schools

years old

Sandwick Junior High School

All-through72% ASN
Ages 5-1859 pupils with ASNZE2 9HH
Website

Brae High School

All-through54.9% ASN
Ages 5-1896 pupils with ASNZE2 9QG
Website

Whalsay School

All-through50% ASN
Ages 5-1830 pupils with ASNZE2 9AQ
Website

Bell's Brae Primary School

Primary44.9% ASN
Ages 5-12114 pupils with ASNZE1 0QB
Website

Aith Junior High School

All-through43.6% ASN
Ages 5-1851 pupils with ASNZE2 9NB
Website

Anderson High School

Secondary41.7% ASN
Ages 12-18420 pupils with ASNZE1 0GR
Website

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 Shetland Islands.

To request a statutory assessment for a Co-ordinated Support Plan in Shetland Islands, you can contact Shetland Islands Council's Community Health and Social Care Department on 01595 743060. You can also speak to your child's school, as they can help initiate the process. The council will assess whether your child requires a CSP to support their additional support needs.
Shetland Islands's SENDIASS service is called Enquire, and they provide free, impartial advice and support on a range of issues including school exclusions, assessment processes, and supporting children and young people with additional support needs. You can contact them on 0345 123 2303 or email [email protected] for guidance on your child's rights and education.
Shetland Islands has 6 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 alongside mainstream education.
The Local Offer is a guide that explains the support and services available to children and young people with additional support needs in your area. You can find Shetland Islands's Local Offer on the Shetland Islands Council website at www.shetland.gov.uk, where it provides information about education, health, social care, and other support services.
Shetland Islands offers a range of support including short breaks and respite care, occupational therapy services, advocacy support through VoiceAbility, and specialist services for learning disabilities and autism. You can contact Shetland Community Health Care Partnership on 01595 743060 for information about assessments, advice, and support available to your family.

Navigating SEND in Shetland Islands?

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