East Lothian Council is to carry out a statutory consultation on proposals to create three new specialist provisions for school children with Additional Support Needs (ASN).
Councillors today (17 February) agreed to consultation running from 3 March until 5 May on the establishment of new specialist provisions at Law Primary School, Stoneyhill Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School.
The provisions proposed are in line with those already in place at Dunbar, Sanderson’s Wynd, Windygoul primary schools and Knox Academy, Rosehill and Ross high schools.
Across Scotland, 43% of children and young people have Additional Support Needs and this figure is rising. Demand for specialist provision has more than doubled in East Lothian since 2020/21 and the local authority’s dedicated school estate is now at capacity requiring an expansion to meet roll projections.
Formal statutory consultation is needed under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 to establish new specialist ASN provisions. The three schools have been identified following analysis of their roll projections which revealed sufficient capacity for ASN expansion and to offer specialist provision in areas where there is currently none.
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “I am pleased that we have agreed to consult on establishing new specialist provisions. I’m sure the news will be welcomed by families who rely on these spaces for their children and who understand their importance.
“We are fortunate to have excellent examples in our existing specialist estate which are hugely valued by families and add so much to their respective school communities.
“Our officers will shortly share exact details on the consultation including online and in person opportunities for people to share their views. I hope as many people as possible will take part and help us move these proposals forward.”