Almost 7000 Perth and Kinross pupils have been identified as having additional support needs, rising from 34 per cent to 39 per cent in the past year. Perth and Kinross Council is conducting a review into its Additional Support Needs provision as the numbers have increased. The council’s Scrutiny and Performance Committee has confirmed the agreed scope for the review, aiming to better understand the challenges and align budgets with needs. A comprehensive overview report will be presented to the committee later this month on January 29.
The review’s scope was determined by councillors at the council’s final committee meeting in 2025 on December 18. Councillors expressed shock at the percentage of pupils with additional support needs and raised concerns about the council’s ability to address them. The latest census data from September 2024 showed that 39 per cent of Perth and Kinross pupils have additional support needs, up from 34 per cent in the previous census, with a total of 6973 children out of 17,778 having additional support needs.
The main focus of the review is to determine the effectiveness of the council in ensuring that adjustments made for children with additional support needs are applied properly and consistently over time. It also aims to assess how well these adjustments are communicated when pupils transition between schools and how early interventions benefit both the council and the child. Liberal Democrat Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson inquired about the increase in children with additional support needs and expressed concerns about the council’s capacity to address them.
Conservative Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes sought clarity on the definition of additional support needs as part of the review. SNP Perth City North councillor Ian Massie called for a breakdown of the specific help needed for individual categories of support. Council members welcomed the opportunity to work with smaller third sector organisations that collaborate with schools and families. Conservative councillor Keith Allan highlighted the high levels of additional support needs in some schools, expressing the need for responsible budget allocation to address these challenges.
The review process will aim to address the increasing number of pupils with additional support needs and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to support their educational journey effectively. By understanding the specific needs of each child, the council can tailor interventions to provide the best possible support for every pupil. Collaboration with community organisations can offer valuable insights and perspectives to improve the provision of Additional Support Needs services in Perth and Kinross schools.
In conclusion, the rise in pupils with additional support needs highlights the importance of ongoing reviews and adjustments to ensure that all children receive the support they require to thrive in an educational setting. By addressing these needs effectively, Perth and Kinross Council can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, fostering their growth and development.