A consultation has launched on proposals to create three new specialist provisions for school children with Additional Support Needs (ASN).
These proposals would see... more children and young people benefit from a nurturing environment and learn in the way that suits them.
East Lothian Council has identified Law Primary School, Stoneyhill Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School to host the new spaces, which would be modelled on existing successful specialist provisions in the county. Each school has capacity for expansion and would offer facilities where there are currently none.
Rising demand
The council developed the proposals in response to rising demand for specialist spaces for children and young people. 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.
Specialised staff
Among other facilities, each school would have its own dedicated entrance, classrooms and garden space for its children and young people who remain part of their respective school communities taking part in wider events as appropriate to their needs. A higher ratio of specialised staff to pupils and personalised lessons focused on building confidence, skills and wellbeing help learners feel safe and included.
The statutory consultation includes an online survey, in-person events and virtual drop-in sessions. It runs until 5 May 2026.
"Caring, compassionate and inclusive"
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “Our primary and secondary specialist provisions are much valued by the families who use them and by their wider school communities for the caring, compassionate and inclusive support they provide.
“These proposals would see us expand this offering, ensuring more children and young people can benefit from a nurturing environment and learn in the way that suits them best. It’s part of our council’s commitment to give our children the best start in life.
“There are a range of ways that people can share their views through a survey, in person and in an individual online session. We hope that as many people as possible will take part before the consultation closes on 5 May to help us move these proposals forward.”
Formal statutory consultation is needed under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 to establish new specialist ASN provisions.