{"id":124,"date":"2024-07-09T14:06:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T13:06:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/dg\/dandgattendancetoolkit\/?page_id=124"},"modified":"2025-01-21T10:33:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T10:33:55","slug":"additional-support-needs-asn","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/dg\/dandgattendancetoolkit\/causes\/individual-factors\/additional-support-needs-asn\/","title":{"rendered":"Additional Support Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Additional Support Needs (ASN)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Additional support needs (ASN) can impact on school attendance in Scotland.  Addressing additional support needs effectively is crucial for ensuring regular attendance and fostering an inclusive learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact of Additional Support Needs on School Attendance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Variety of Needs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learning Disabilities: Conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia and autism spectrum disorder can make the school environment challenging, leading to absences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Disabilities: Mobility issues or chronic health conditions might require frequent medical appointments or make it difficult to navigate the school premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotional and Behavioural Disorders: Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety or depression can cause school avoidance or inconsistent attendance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Related Pages and Links<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Individual Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Age<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety and Mental Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peer Relationships<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk Taking Behaviour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Isolation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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School Based Factors<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility Challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inadequate Facilities: Lack of accessible infrastructure can make attending school difficult for children and young people with physical disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resourcing: Schools may lack the necessary resources or trained staff to support children and young people with ASN effectively, leading to frustration and absenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social and Emotional Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Isolation and Bullying: Children and young people with ASN may face social isolation or bullying, making them reluctant to attend school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Self-Esteem: Struggling academically or socially can affect self-esteem, leading to avoidance behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Dynamics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parental Support: Parents of children and young people with ASN may struggle to balance support with encouraging independence, affecting attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Socio-Economic Factors: Families with limited resources might face additional challenges in supporting their child\u2019s education and attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Strategies to Support Students with Additional Support Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tailored Learning: Developing IEPs for pupils with ASN to address their specific needs and outline accommodations and support strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular Reviews: Frequently reviewing and updating IEPs to ensure they remain relevant and effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Guide to Supporting Learners through an IEP August 2022 (1)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for Learners – Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusive Practices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nurture: Implementing Nurture to create a flexible learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying nurture as a whole school approach – A framework to support self-evaluation | National Improvement Hub<\/a> (external link, opens in new tab)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nurture, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma informed practice: Making the links between these approaches | National Improvement Hub<\/a> (external link, opens in new tab)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistive Technology: Providing access to assistive technologies that support learning and participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CALL Scotland: The use of inclusive digital technologies to raise attainment for learners who require additional support (Additional Support Needs) | National Improvement Hub<\/a> (external link, opens in new tab)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Development for Staff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Professional Learning: Offering professional learning for teachers and staff on how to support students with ASN effectively, including strategies for inclusive teaching and behaviour management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities Professional Learning Framework | Education Scotland<\/a> (external link, opens in new tab)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between specialist staff and classroom teachers to integrate support throughout the school day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support Services<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Counselling and Therapy: Providing access to counselling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other relevant services within the school setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health Support in Schools – Dumfries and Galloway Council<\/a> (external link, opens in new tab)<\/p>\n\n\n