THE most recent census carried out in October 2023 found almost 40 per cent of children and young people to have an additional support need (ASN) in Dumfries and Galloway.
And latest figures show a record 284,000 pupils in Scotland have conditions such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems.
Concern has now been voiced by Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson over the need for increased support.
Mr Carson said: “While more children and young people are being identified as having ASN, this is against the increasingly challenging backdrop of a lack of specialist teachers, support staff and resources.
“My concern is that this is not only letting down thousands of children and young people, but also their fellow pupils, teachers and support staff.
“It is critical that increased support is forthcoming, especially post the covid pandemic and the damaging impact this has had on many of our children and young people, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, all of which is hitting the poorest hardest.”
Mr Carson fears a decline in the number of special schools is causing serious concern especially as it is putting increased pressure on the mainstream sector.
He added: “The SNP Government has already announced a package of measures worth an additional £29 million towards support for the recruitment and retention of ASN workforce.
“But at the same time it has no firm proposals as to how this money will be spent and the areas it intends to target to ease this crisis.
“According to the education secretary they are still working on a masterplan to tackle the problem but haven’t given an exact date when it will be implemented.
Susan Quinn, education convener for the EIS teaching union, said: “The range and complexity of ASN has also continued to grow, placing ever more strain on teachers and support staff.
“Far too many young people are not having their support needs met adequately.”
