Additional support needs capacity increased
A NEW provision for secondary school pupils in Inverclyde with additional support needs is being set up.
Members of Inverclyde Council’s education and communities committee approved plans to establish a new additional support needs (ASN) base at Clydeview Academy at a meeting on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
The new ASN provision will be up and running from the start of the 2025/26 academic year and has been set up to help cope with the growing need for specialist teaching.
During a recent public consultation, 329 out of 371 respondents (almost 89 per cent) were in favour of the proposal.
Education Scotland is also supportive of the plan.
The new Clydeview base will complement existing ASN provision at other schools, which are reaching capacity.
Several options were considered but the Clydeview plan is considered the most suitable.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “There is a growing demand for specialist teaching within specialist settings which is why we have taken this proactive step to create additional secondary ASN capacity in time for the start of the new 2025/26 term in August.
“While several options were considered, Clydeview was identified as the most suitable location to house the new ASN base for a variety of reasons, including availability of space and current and projected school rolls.
“I welcome this positive step forward in ensuring our young people who have additional needs receive the support they need to get the most out of their education.”
Among the feedback received during the public consultation, which included an in-person listening event, was that the new base would benefit students with additional needs by providing necessary support within a mainstream school environment.
Many respondents also emphasised the importance of inclusivity and the benefits of including ASN students with their peers.
Additional teaching and support staff will be taken on to resource the ASN provision, including the appointment of a new principal teacher.
Links have already been established with the team at the Stella Maris ASN provision at Notre Dame High, drawing on their expertise to support the initial planning and set up of the provision.
All other set up costs will be met by the central education budget and not be drawn from the existing Clydeview Academy school budget.
The education committee was also updated on the wider review of ASN provision across Inverclyde and some of the improvements being made ahead of the start of the new term in August, including an expansion to Craigmarloch School, an additional class at the Communication and Language Base at All Saints Primary School, changes to primary enhanced nurture provision, and additional staff as required.
The committee reports and a recording of the meeting are available via the links in the Related Links and Other Websites sections of this page.