Additional Support for Learning Project Board minutes: November 2025

Attendees and apologies

• Scottish Government (SG) (CHAIR)
• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
• SG Supporting Learners’ Team (SG)
• SG Early Learning Centres’ Team (SG)
• Education Scotland (ES)
• Connect
• Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE)
• Grant-Aided Special Schools (GASS)
• Education Institute of Scotland (EIS)
• Children in Scotland (CiS)
• HM Inspectors of Education (HMIE)
• Social Work Scotland
• Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists (ASPEP)
• Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) Early Years Network
• UNISON
• National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT)

Apologies

• Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES)

Items and actions

Welcome and introductions

The Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Project Board (PB) welcomed the new Scottish Government (SG) Co-Chair. The Chair introduced himself to Board Members in his role as Interim Deputy Director for Improvement, Attainment and Wellbeing. The Chair noted slight changes to the original agenda, with the meeting now being hybrid and agenda items shortened.

Apologies were noted to members. The Chair confirmed that the minutes of the previous PB meeting had been shared, and there were no further comments. These have been uploaded. The actions from the previous meeting were reviewed and an update provided by SG:

ACTION 1: share Education Scotland’s update slides and ASL Action Plan professional learning updates with PB members.

UPDATE 1: these were shared with members on the 10th of October.

ACTION 2:  SG to share a link to the Code of Practice consultation with the ASL PB and ASL Network when it goes live.

UPDATE 2: the consultation is yet to go live; SG will be in touch with Board Members when consultation is out.

ACTION 3:  SG to provide a reminder / seek measurable information on the updates sought for actions which are still to be completed.

UPDATE 3: SG has been reaching out to members for updates on the remaining actions and will continue to liaise as we continue toward creating a draft version of the action plan and progress report.

Data Summit update and next steps

SG led on this item. The Data Summit was held on the 12th of November and was a successful first stage in the discussion of current data challenges, and invited collaboration between key stakeholders to find improvements of the recording of ASL data. The delegates list included colleagues from national Government bodies and two members of staff from 31 local authorities (LA) that work with this data and can implement change in how data is recorded.

As highlighted in the Audit Scotland report that was published earlier this year, ASL data noted local variations in data recording and discovered limitations in what is currently collected for national use. This report supported the theme of the Summit, which was “Strengthening support through evidencing and collaboration”, and gave attendees an opportunity to share their working practices and discuss how the data can be used more effectively to support policy and practices.

There were four key sessions held throughout the day. The first was “National data – what do we know?” This had previously been presented to PB back in August 2025, with minor additions added for the Summit.

This presentation led onto the second session which was focused on “Understanding differences between LA data”. There were some consistencies in the conversations between attendees, but there was variation in thinking around how the data is used and collected for planning and supporting services. This session included a discussion on current categories used in recording ASL data, what may be included or changed in the recording process, and considered data accuracy between authorities.

The third session was centred around “ASL data structures”, in which SG highlighted that there is consistent challenge within the Scottish Parliament regarding the figure of 40% of pupils having an additional support need (ASN), but there is little opportunity to break down this data to understand challenges children and young people are facing behind this percentage. There was reflection that there may be a tier of data missing that if added, would provide better understanding of this 40%. This led to meaningful discussion between attendees on what the inclusion of this tier meant for the children and young people with ASN.  

The final session was introduced the first iteration of the National Measurement Framework (NMF) and its incorporation into the National Improvement Framework Interactive Evidence Report (NIFIER). The NIFIER refresh is due to be launched in December 2025, with ASL incorporated into this for the first time. Board Members have been presented with this work within the August 2025 PB meeting. The aim of this session was to encourage attendees to spread awareness of this work being published, so that this data can begin to be used by different public bodies.

SG reflected on the enthusiasm for the Summit, and the variety of the attendees and their job roles, which added great perspectives to each session. SG are currently working through the information gained from the Data Summit at pace to pull out the key themes and actions, which will be circulated to PB members when available.

While the scope of the new ASL Review, which was announced earlier this year and was followed with the ASL cross-party Roundtable is still under discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, ASL data will be a key strand. SG are planning a programme of work around data improvement, which will engage at both a local and national level - PB will be made aware of any updates as this work progresses.

The Chair thanked SG for the update and invited those who attended the Data Summit to provide their own reflections. A member noted the significant amount of work that had gone into planning the Data Summit and wanted to express thanks to the Supporting Learners team for the organisation of the day. Members highlighted that there was good conversation happening across all the different tables and felt the Summit had been positively received.

A member expressed that consideration should be given to teachers who will have responsibility to enter any additional information into SEEMiS, as this will add to workload pressures that PB are already aware of. SG confirmed this would be noted.

ASL Action Plan and Progress Report update

SG led this item. At the meeting, there was not a draft available of the Progress Report to share with Board Members, but members were assured this will be shared with them through correspondence and feedback should be returned the same way. The meeting instead focused on the draft structure of the final Progress Report and the discussion centred around feedback from members at this time.

As stated in the third Progress Report, the ASL PB were to focus on completing the three themes that still had most actions to complete. These were: Communications, NMF and the Code of Practice (CoP) refresh - these themes will form the outline of the report. There will be an introduction section, which will set out the background and reference the previous three reports. There will be acknowledgment of the Audit Scotland report, the Children and Young People’s Commissioners report, and the commitment to the new review of ASL. The report will give an overview of work completed since last November and work that is anticipated to be completed by March 2026 – SG intend for the report to not duplicate what the Action Plan already covers. Currently, the report is planned to be split into five sections, which will be as follows:

1. Actions specifically that have been delivered since November 2024.
    
2. An overview of progress on Communication actions, which will predominantly feature the work Enquire has led on and any next steps involved in this.
    
3. Section three will focus on progress to date regarding the NMF and will look towards next steps in data collection and use overall for ASL.
    
4. Section four will be focused on the CoP refresh and the final work that needs to be completed on this.
    
5. The final section will be focused on actions that have not been deliverable prior to the publishing date. It is expected this section won’t be large and is likely to reflect that some actions are still ongoing and having separate deadlines out with the ASL PB. It will also consider what the next steps are for any actions that are not complete by March 2026, where the actions are still relevant and necessary.   

SG highlighted the importance of members input in the report to ensure the Board agrees with what is being published and what is agreed as next steps within the conclusive step of the report. It is important for the sector to see the work will be embedded and taken forward in new workpieces, not just left behind in the Action Plan.

The Chair thanked SG for providing this update and invited members to provide comment. A member commented that they were happy with the structure of the report and highlighted the importance of the section which would cover next steps, as this is the area which will receive the most scrutiny and should show that there is still work to be done. A member queried if there was any update on the timeframe for the CoP consultation. There was not a confirmed date yet for this, but SG will inform members when this is live. The consultation period will be for twelve weeks, and the analysis will follow this, though it is unclear how long this stage will take.

A member commented that the use of percentages may be seen to be deceptive and not provide the full story of progress made for the ASL Action Plan. In terms of those who are in a classroom and cannot measure changes in the class as percentage, this way of reporting may not be relatable to them. Members were asked to consider how the work of the ASL PB can be brought to classrooms to ensure those that are affected by the work of the PB can be kept informed. Another member agreed with this and asked for the same consideration to be made for those working in the Early Years sector. SG agreed that there are challenges with using percentages to measure completion and will take ideas on how to improve this measurement for future workpieces. There was agreement that engaging the teaching workforce is important and will be considered for the ASL review.

A member noted that the ASL Action Plan focused heavily on actions to be taken for LAs, and that Grant Aided Special Schools (GASS) and independent schools did not have as much input or consideration. SG thanked for the member for this feedback on the Action Plan and agreed this was an important point to bring up.

The Chair thanked members for their input and moved onto the update on the ASL Action Plan.

SG thanked members who have already engaged with the Action Plan and confirmed at the time of the meeting there were 63 completed actions and 13 left to be completed. The remaining actions are quite varied and at different stages of completion, but action is being undertaken on these. It is noted that actions for the Doran review will not be completed by the time of publication as this is working on a separate timeframe, but the latest update will be included in the report.

A member noted the Action Plan sets out a lot more detail than the Progress Report and asked if schools would benefit from having a copy of the Action Plan when it’s published, so they can see what changes have been made and what hasn’t happened in their setting and challenge accordingly. Members were encouraged to consider this and provide SG with feedback. Members queried how LAs are best to give this information to classroom teachers in the first place and how this can be managed. SG took in this feedback and would consider how to do this with COSLA and ADES.

A few members considered the use of Sketchnotes, which highlights key points and can be overall more impactful to those working in classrooms, or using a short video to provide more detail. SG were interested in this option and would investigate this.

SG confirmed they would be in touch with members once the drafts are ready and provide members with enough time to review the draft and provide feedback.  

ACTION: Supporting Learners team to send out the ASL Action Plan tracker following the meeting.

Reflections on ASL Action Plan delivery

SG led this item. With new work pieces already proposed (the ASL review), members felt it would be beneficial to reflect on what went well with the delivery of the ASL Action Plan, and areas which could be done differently. The Chair thanked SG for introducing this item and invited members to comment.

A member noted that within the five-year timeline for PB, the scope of work relating to ASL has grown and changed drastically since the creation of the ASL Action Plan, and PB has not always had the flexibility to meet these changes, which members agreed with. While there have been many successful actions completed during the life of the PB, the way of measuring outcomes could have been done differently. As previously discussed, members felt that the use of percentages did not reflect impact of work, especially for those working in the education sector. A member noted that when the ASL PB first begun, it was spreadsheet focused, and they were glad to see PB move away from this structure to allow consideration of ASL as it stands now to be reviewed.

Leading on this, a member reflected that prior to the Covid pandemic, there were more opportunities for workforce staff to be included in providing their voices to research and Government projects, however this approach has been difficult to pick this back up post-Covid. The member felt that this has left a disconnect between workforce and SG, as workforce are not as well informed in Government projects as they would like. Upon reflection, members agreed they should try to get workforce staff and children and young people involved in work like the ASL review as early as possible, to ensure SG are working collaboratively with all stakeholders. A member proposed that possibly, an annual communication could go out to workforce on work that is being done around ASL, or possibly the creation of professional learning that could relate to SG initiatives.

Members reflected that progress has been slow on some actions due to there not always being a clear lead on some of the action points and recommended going forward, that it is stated from the beginning who should lead on certain areas of work at an organisational level, to avoid any kind of output delays. There was agreement on this by PB members.

Members noted that there was some frustration that some organisations had not been used to their full extent by the ASL PB, which could have had a larger benefit in completing actions. Along with this, members felt there was a lack of presence from Health colleagues, who should be part of the wider work of ASL PB. It was confirmed that while there had been attempts to include Health, but this has not always been possible.

A member also highlighted the resource restraints that the ASL sector faces - while out of the control of the group, this should be considered with any future work projects and what can be achieved with the current resource provided.

The Chair thanked members for all their comments and invited members to email any further reflections to the Supporting Learners team.

Any other business

AOB - Communications update

This was led by Enquire. A paper was circulated to members prior to the meeting, which covered Enquires Action Plan for resource development and longer-term goals with their key stakeholders. Enquire confirmed they are moving onto the next theme of communications, which is to do with positive relationships and mediation approaches. Enquire estimate they will be sharing their next round of resources within the new year and encouraged members to share this with their networks when available.

The Chair thanked Enquire for their continuous work on the communications and invited members to comment. A member noted that Enquire should discuss with ADES regarding mediation approaches as they will have beneficial input, which Enquire confirmed they will.

AOB – ASL Cross-party Roundtable

A member asked if there was any further update on the ASL cross-party Roundtable. SG confirmed that some actions from the Roundtable have been actioned, such as attending Portobello High School to review their practice relating to ASL. There was an ask to meet with the ASL Tribunal Chair, which will most likely happen early next year. A meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and a parent group had been organised for December, however this date may move due to Parliamentary commitments.

AOB – Governance structure of ASL PB

A member queried if the current governance structure of the ASL PB would change next year. SG confirmed that the ASL AP delivery comes to an end in March 2026, and as we move into a phase of delivery in relation to the ASL Review, the current governance structure is unlikely to remain. At this stage, there is work underway to consider the feedback from the ASL PB on what has worked/not worked with the current governance approach and to consider those reflections when formalising a different accountability structure for the ASL Review going forward. SG encouraged members to voice their opinions on this.

The Chair asked if there were further questions or comments, but members were content to close the meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

The Supporting Learners team confirmed that they would organise an in-person meeting for January 2026. This has now been organised for 20 January 2026, and the meeting invite has been sent out to Board Members. It is unlikely that there will be a further meeting due to Parliament dissolving for the election period.