Additional Support Needs

If your child needs extra help or support in school they can be described as having 'additional support needs'.

Children may need additional support for a short time, or a longer period and for a variety of reasons, including:

• social or emotional difficulties
• problems at home
• being particularly gifted
• a physical disability
• moving house frequently
• behavioural difficulties
• bullying
• a sensory impairment or communication problem
• being a young carer or parent
• having English as a second language
• interrupted learning
• looked after children

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (the Act) sets out what the education authority must do in order to address the needs of children who require additional support.