Additional Support for Learning action plan: final progress report

Summary of progress

The conclusion of the ASL Action Plan marks the end of the ASL Project Board’s work in response to the Morgan Review (2020), but delivery of many actions will continue beyond the life of the plan. Over the past 18 months, implementation has accelerated, with the majority of the 76 actions now being complete and the remaining work embedded within ongoing national and local priorities.

Theme 1 – Vision and Visibility

A national vision for success for children and young people with additional support needs was established early, ensuring shared understanding across policy and practice. This vision, created by the Young Ambassadors for Inclusion, has continued to provide a guiding framework for delivery of the ASL Action Plan by the ASL Project Board. Achievements are now celebrated beyond academic attainment through the continued success of the Inclusion Ambassadors ‘Success looks Different’ Awards, and a communications strategy led by Children in Scotland’s Enquire Service, building on the Inclusion Ambassadors’ message that “success is different for everyone.” This work has laid the foundations for shift in language away from deficit-based terminology and narrative, and public communication continues to educate, inform and raise the profile of ASL.

Theme 2 – Mainstream and Inclusion

All actions under this theme are complete. The Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence, led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), continues to integrate ASL findings, with the Curriculum Improvement Cycle embedding equity for learners with additional support needs. Strategic links between Scottish Government Officials on the ASL Project Board and bodies such as the International Council of Education Advisers and the Education and Childcare Assurance Board have ensured inclusion remains central to national education reform and continues to be informed by the international evidence base.

Theme 3 – Maintaining Focus, but Overcoming Fragmentation

Leadership and strategic planning have been strengthened through Education Scotland’s role in the Neurodevelopment Taskforce and the expansion of professional learning via the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities (IWE) framework. Local authority planning now explicitly considers ASN, and engagement programmes ensure children, young people, and parents and carers help to shape policy decisions. Collectively, these actions helping to reduce fragmentation and maintain focus on inclusion across the Education system.

Theme 4 – Resources

Audit Scotland’s 2025 briefing highlighted the need for improved ASL data and a review of funding and staffing models. The Scottish Government and COSLA accepted these recommendations, convening an ASL Data Summit as a first step to address gaps and a commitment has been made to carry out a Review of ASL. It is anticipated that this work will help to inform future resource planning and accountability at a local and national level.

Theme 5 – Workforce Development and Support

Workforce development has been a priority area for the ASL Project Board, with the Scottish Government funding Education Scotland to deliver a national ASN teacher professional learning programme over the past 18-months. This initiative includes deploying ASN associates to support adaptive teaching and pedagogy, literacy difficulties, transitions with a specific focus on complex needs and ASN Data. A series of national networks have been established, including those focused on complex needs, relational approaches, social communication, emotional regulation and transactional support (SCERTS), rights and participation, and safeguarding. In addition, Education Scotland continues to expand resources under the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities (IWE) Professional Learning framework. The Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Action Plan, published in December 2025, strengthens early intervention, supported by specialist secondments into NHS Education for Scotland.

Theme 6 – Relationships between Schools and Parent

Most actions are complete. Clear transition pathways have been embedded, and investment in family support services has been strengthened, with additional funding provided to advocacy and advice services such as Children in Scotland’s Enquire Service and Partners in Advocacy. These enhancements have reduced waiting times for advocacy support and improved early resolution of disputes, ensuring that children receive timely assistance. The benefits of mediation have also been widely promoted at national, regional, and local levels, with joint communications from ADES, COSLA, and the Scottish Government encouraging its use as a constructive tool for resolving disagreements.

Theme 7 – Relationships and Behaviour

The remit of SAGRABIS has been refreshed to reflect inclusive practices and ASL recommendations, with updated membership and strong links to the ASL Action Plan. This integrated approach has helped to reinforce positive relationships and the narrative of the recording of behaviour as a foundation for inclusion.

Theme 8 – Understanding Rights

The incorporation of the UNCRC into Scottish law has been fully considered, with legal advice confirming that the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Act is compliant. Work to refresh the Additional Support for Learning Statutory Guidance (Code of Practice), will provide further clarity, to ensure that practitioners and local authorities are aware of their responsibilities under all relevant legislation.

Throughout 2025, the Scottish Government GIRFEC team have been undertaking exploratory work in partnership with stakeholders, to better understand local challenges around GIRFEC implementation, to strengthen its consistent, high-quality application across Scotland. To support this work, NHS National Education for Scotland (NES) was commissioned by the Scottish Government to produce two GIRFEC e-learning modules which were published in December 2024 to better support the knowledge and skills of the workforce in GIRFEC implementation across public agencies.

Theme 9 – Assurance Mechanism

The assurance mechanism in place to support the delivery of the ASL Action Plan has evolved and adapted as the work has progressed and been embedded. A robust governance framework has ensured transparency and accountability throughout the Action Plan. The ASL Project Board met regularly to monitor progress, culminating in four published progress reports and regular up-dates to the ASL Action Plan.