 |
Scotland's mainstream education is failing SEND students
Report identifies intolerable gaps in support
|
By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Tuesday 12th May 2026 |
A recent report by the Scottish parliament's education committee has described the current state of additional support needs provision in mainstream schools as intolerable.
The findings suggest that many children with neurodevelopmental conditions are being left behind because the system lacks the resources and specialized training necessary to provide meaningful inclusion.
Despite policies that promote the presumption of mainstreaming, many pupils are not receiving the adjustments they require to thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
The committee has called for an urgent review of how funding is allocated and how student teachers are trained to support neurodivergent learners.
Parents and advocacy groups have long warned that the gap between policy and practice is widening, leading to increased levels of school refusal and mental health issues among students.
The report recommends that all teachers should have mandatory placements in special schools or specialist units to gain a deeper understanding of diverse learning needs.
Furthermore, there is a call for greater transparency in how local authorities manage their budgets for additional support.
The findings underscore the need for a fundamental shift in how the education system values and supports difference.
Without a significant commitment to cultural and structural change, the promise of an inclusive education for every child in Scotland will remain unfulfilled, leaving a generation of neurodivergent young people without the foundation they need to succeed.
Source: Tes Magazine (United Kingdom)
https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/specialist-sector/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
Have you seen our books about Autism and Neurodiversity?
Written by an autistic author, this book explains what autism is, what it isn't, and how to support autistic people with kindness and consideration. It aims to help the friends, family and carers of autistic people, as well the general public, educators, healthcare providers, employers, authorities, and anyone else who might interact with autistic people. It clearly and concisely shows them what autism can 'look like', how to recognise it, how to sensitively offer support, and how to advocate for greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion in society.
The Autism Manifesto provides a vital 'lived perspective' on autism and advocates for greater understanding, inclusion, and integration for autistic people in society. The manifesto challenges outdated views of autism as a deficit or something to be 'cured', instead presenting it as a natural human variation, and highlights the fact that different ways of thinking only serve to enrich society. Its core lies in the 10 Pillars of Inclusion, which offer direct, practical steps that everyone can take to improve the lives of autistic people in every walk of life, at home, at work, at school, in the community, in government, and in the authorities and legal systems.
This is a book for autistic people, by an autistic writer. It helps you understand and embrace your autism and focus on all its positive sides (and all your strengths that come with it), as well as how to calm yourself in troubled times, and how to live a full life that's even happier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful, as part of your community. There are hundreds of practical ideas and advice for going out and enjoying life, meeting new people, making new friends, and maintaining existing relationships. It really is a guide to becoming the very best version of yourself!
DJ Merryweather is autistic, and shares his life experiences of autism - always trying to fit in, masking his differences at every turn - and how it led to his ultimate burnout, after which he began dismantling his autistic masking habits, one by one. The book explains why you're masking, how bad it can make you feel, and why you probably feel like you're stuck with it - from social rules and situations to 'faking' emotions and learning to 'perform' feelings in socially expected ways. But most of all, it's an inspiring message about the value of unmasking your true self and living a happier, more fulfilling life.
This essential handbook is for those who care for and support vulnerable people and those with disabilities. If you want to move beyond 'task-focused' routines and deliver truly compassionate, person-centred care, this is the toolbox that will make all the difference to you and to those you look after. Written by an experienced social care professional, it provides practical strategies, reflective tools, and human insights that improve dignity, respect, and autonomy for those in your care. It emphasizes the need to honour the unique identity, humanity, preferences, needs and challenges of each person being supported. Learn to manage challenging behaviours with empathy, navigate the pressures of 'the system' and prevent yourself 'burning out' with dozens of self-care techniques. Use it to improve on the care and support you provide and make a genuinely compassionate, person-centred difference.
This is a comprehensive guide to addressing bullying whether it's at home, school, work, in clubs, in public, or online. It provides safe and ethical strategies to handle all the different bullying tactics from subtle manipulation to outright harassment and physical threats. It equips you to recognise bullying, deal with it safely but assertively, set proper boundaries, and document and report bullying wherever it finds you. Learn how to use support networks, safe ways of reporting bullying, and understand your legal rights to protect yourself and find the right way to deal with bullies without starting a war on your own doorstep!Copyright ©2026 Peter J. Clark T/A Autism Info Center / Tes Magazine (United Kingdom). All rights reserved worldwide. This information may not be copied, reproduced, excerpted, stored, indexed or distributed without the express written permission of the publisher, author, and copyright holder.
