Just Ask for Additional Support for Your Child
School can sometimes be a difficult place for children for a whole variety of reasons.
Whether they've found the transition from primary to secondary school hard, their family is going through a big change or they have a medical problem, sometimes extra support is all that is needed to help them fulfil their potential.
Parents now have the right to 'Just Ask' for help for their children, either from school or the local authority, to help them navigate their way through whatever issue is affecting them.
There are a wide range of reasons why children may need additional support for the learning at school, and these can be temporary as well as long-term, including:
- finding the transition from primary to high school difficult
- dyslexia
- divorce
- young carers,
- young parents
- problems with bullying
- bereavement,
- exceptionally gifted children who require more challenge in the classroom
Support can be provided in many different ways and is entirely individualised to the child. A pupil with dyslexia may need a laptop to help them with their written work in the classroom, a child experiencing a bereavement in the family may need to have their work reduced and be given access to a counsellor or young carers may benefit from having classes with other children in the same position.
Young people who have medical conditions where they may need help throughout their time in education can also benefit.
The school or local authority will organise for an assessment to see what help needs to be provided and put together a plan together with the parent or carer to ensure their child can achieve success.
If you think your child may benefit from extra help it is your right to request it.
Whatever you think might be affecting them at school; all you have to do is ask. For information on how to make sure your child gets everything they need from their education call the Enquire helpline on 0845 123 2303 or visit infoscotland.com/justask
Audio Features
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Comments
I agree withe the additional support needs but feel that there is not enough staff to provide the proper care. I am currently a PSA and work only part time as there are no hours available to make me full time. If the government is providing these facilities, surely the money should also be invested to ensure correct staffing levels. After all it is supposed to be about the children!Linda Irwin