ASL Review action plan welcome, but actions speak louder than words
21 October 2020
Children in Scotland has welcomed publication of the Scottish Government’s ASL Review Action Plan but warned action is now required to make a tangible difference for children and young people.
Sally Cavers, Children in Scotland’s Head of Inclusion, said:
“We fully support the recommendations to systematically increase involvement of children and young people in education decisions, as outlined in the Action Plan, and welcome the comment that both national and local governments will seek to expand opportunities for engagement.
“But while we are pleased to see a commitment to strengthening involvement in policy and guidance, more action is needed to include young people in their own planning decisions.
“Evidence from our own services, such as My Rights, My Say, suggests that work should be taken forward to establish a bank of evidence highlighting barriers to involvement and participation, and identifying actions that make a tangible difference.
“The Scottish Government’s action plan, working with local authorities, commits to seeking and sharing the views of children and young people when considering responses to policy proposals. We, collectively, now need to ensure this is embedded across all schools and services.”
Calls for a new Inclusion Charter
While welcoming the vision statement, Ms Cavers warned that words alone will not lead to change on the ground. She highlighted calls for an inclusion charter which recognises those schools across the country meeting inclusivity milestones.
“The idea of an inclusion charter has been suggested by both Inclusion Ambassadors and the group of school pupils involved in My Rights, My Say," she said.
"It would commend schools, through a nationally recognised award, that demonstrate active involvement and participation of their pupils and would show genuine progress.”
The independent review, chaired by Angela Morgan, considered the implementation of the additional support for learning legislation and how this could be enhanced through a better use of resources, staffing or other aspects of provision. The review report was published in June.
The Scottish Government’s response, the ASL Review Action Plan, was published on Wednesday 21 October.
Review of additional support for learning
Read the original report, prepared by review Chair, Angela Morgan
Click to read the reportInclusion Ambassadors
Young people have their say on how to create a more inclusive educational environment
Click to find out moreMy Rights, My Say
A support service for children aged 12-15, advising on their right to additional support for learning
Click to visit
School closures 'monumental' for children with ASN
Sally Cavers writes for TES on the additional challenges facing learners with ASN
Click to read the article