Inclusion Ambassadors (2016 - Present)
The Inclusion Ambassadors Network began in 2016, formed by Education Scotland. It was established to ensure the views of young people with additional support needs are heard in discussions about education policy.
Children in Scotland has been involved in supporting the network since 2016 and formally running the group since November 2019.
The Inclusion Ambassadors are a group of secondary school-aged pupils who have a range of additional support needs and attend a variety of school provision. Current membership of the group represents 16 local authorities across Scotland.
The Ambassadors are encouraged to speak freely and openly, sharing their experiences of being a pupil with additional support needs in Scotland, including what works and what would make things better.
They are enabled to do so through meetings facilitated by professionals working within the children’s sector and engaging directly with parliamentarians and decision-makers.
The feedback and activity of the group is also shared with other children and young people with the aim to reduce stigma around additional support needs and additional support for learning.
Current and ongoing activity
Responding to consultations and providing evidence
As part of their work to represent those with additional support needs during policy and practice development, the Inclusion Ambassadors have contributed to recent calls for evidence and government consultation. This included a submission to the Scottish Government’s Human Rights National Taskforce 2021 relating to their work on the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the Inclusion Ambassadors also shared their experiences, specifically around their educational experiences.
Review into the implementation of Additional Support for Learning
In 2020, the Inclusion Ambassadors contributed to the independent review into the implementation of Additional Support for Learning, chaired by Angela Morgan. They continue to be involved in work to support delivery of the Scottish Government’s Action Plan which was published in response to the review findings and recommendations.
Creation of resources
Most recently, the group collaborated on a series of practical resources to help improve inclusion work in educational settings (see boxes, right).
The Inclusion Ambassadors project is managed by Chris Ross, Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer, cross@childreninscotland.org.uk

Supporting Effective Transitions
Learn from the Inclusion Ambassadors about supporting young people in your setting
Click here to readNewsletter: Issue 2
Including: a summary of recent meetings and upcoming plans. Published May 2022.
Click here to viewVision Statement: August 2021
Read more about the Ambassador's vision for school and learning environments
Download the Statement
Report: Challenging inequality and leading change
The first annual report from the Inclusion Ambassadors. Published August 2021
View and downloadSchool pledge pack
Help young people with ASN feel supported in your school by committing your support
Click here for the packPledge Pack FAQs
Answers to some frequently asked questions to support use of the pack
Click here to view
Support service: Reach
Helping young people understand their right to be involved, included and listened to in decisions about their learning
Visit the websiteSupport service: My Rights, My Say
The advice and advocacy service ensuring children's voices are heard
Find out moreSupport service: Enquire
Enquire is the Scottish national advice service for additional support for learning
Visit the website