Identifying additional support needs

Often handled entirely within the school

Scotland uses a broader definition — any child needing more or different support than peers has an 'additional support need'. Most support is arranged directly by the school, often via an IEP.

Your rights: The 2004 Act gives a presumption that almost any child with a barrier to learning can have an additional support need.

Common pitfall: Because so much support sits below the level of a formal plan, it can be informal and hard to pin down. Get everything in writing.

Your voice: You are entitled to be fully involved in identifying and planning support, and your knowledge of your child counts as valid evidence in its own right.

• Ask the school directly what support is being recorded

• Request a copy of any IEP or support plan in writing

• Ask whether your child might meet the (narrower) criteria for a Co-ordinated Support Plan