McArthur calls for greater government support for ASL provision in the islands

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today urged the government to take action to address the challenges in delivering additional support for learning in island communities. 

Speaking at Education Questions in parliament, Mr McArthur highlighted the growing difficulties faced by schools in Orkney in delivering support required by the growing numbers of children with additional and complex needs. 

In response, the Cabinet Secretary, Jenny Gilruth highlighted the funding that has been allocated to the ongoing Kirkwall Additional Support Needs Centre project but acknowledged the need for government to gain a better understanding of how funding is being used and whether it is always getting to those who need it most. Ms Gilruth also offered to engage directly with Mr McArthur on the details of the situation in Orkney. 

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said: 

“In Orkney, all children with additional support needs are provided for by mainstream schooling. The benefits of an inclusive approach are recognised, but the fact remains that mainstream schools are excluded from the funding made available to special schools. This often leaves schools struggling to deliver inclusive ASL provision that children, especially those with more complex needs, require. 

“In a report published last month, Audit Scotland made clear that the current funding arrangements for ASL provision are simply not fit for purpose. This is borne out by the experience in Orkney, where competing pressures around resources, staff recruitment and retention, and a shrinking school estate are combining to create a specific islands dimension to the wider problem with ASL provision across Scotland.

“Given these distinct challenges, ministers must rethink their current approach. I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s offer to engage with me, Orkney Islands Council and those delivering ASL in the islands to see how best these issues can be addressed”.