Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Scotland Conference

Jackie Swan is Executive Director of Education at Kibble, where he leads a wide range of education services, all focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for young people.

He has spent his career in education, starting out as a Mathematics teacher before moving into leadership roles in schools and, later, across local authority services in East Dunbartonshire. Most recently, he worked as Quality Improvement Manager for Additional Support Needs and Children’s Services, where he led large-scale improvement work and supported schools to develop more inclusive and effective practice.

Jackie is known for his ability to bring people together and build strong, supportive teams. He places a strong emphasis on relationships, trust and ensuring children and young people remain at the centre of decision-making. He has also contributed to national education groups, helping to shape thinking around additional support needs and mental health in schools.

Colleagues describe him as approachable, practical and solution-focused, with a genuine passion for making a difference. He is particularly interested in how education systems can work better for all learners, especially those who require additional support to succeed.

Tony was first elected to East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) in 2007 and represents Neilston and Newton Mearns North.

He has been part of the administration of ERC since election in 2007 and was Leader of East Renfrewshire Council for the term 2017 – 2022. ERC has an exemplary record for several services. Tony has been a member of the Education committee, an area in which the Council is sector leading.

He has been a member of COSLA Convention since 2007 and COSLA Leaders Group since 2017, and was appointed as COSLA’s Spokesperson for Children and Young People in June 2022

Gavin Calder, Chief Executive, has been in educational leadership since 1999, having spent the last 16 years as a headteacher. Prior to joining Harmeny In April 2024. Gavin was the headteacher at Edinburgh Academy’s Junior School and has been at the forefront of the independent school sector’s understanding and Integration of ever-developing best practice, including those with additional support needs. He Is also a board member of the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS). While at Lomond School and Loretto School, Gavin has worked closely with local authorities who placed children from looked-after backgrounds in the boarding houses. The boarding facilities in both schools were praised for their high level of care and Individual attention by the Care Commission (now the Care Inspectorate).

Gavin Is passionate about sports, music and Outdoor Education. He Is a trained coach and the Chair of Triathlon Scotland. He also holds the role of Chair of the Board for the Scottish Outdoor Education Centres.

Jill began her teaching career as a primary teacher at Clackmannan Primary in Clackmannanshire before applying for a secondment as a class teacher at Lochies School for children with severe and complex needs. From there she moved into secondary ASD provision at Alva Academy working with young people with ASD from across the local authority. In 2021, Jill moved into the ASN Department at Alva Academy supporting learners with additional needs who access the mainstream curriculum. She is currently PT of ASN at Alva Academy and leads on differentiation across the school. Jill is passionate about inclusion, creativity and celebrating success.

Dr Catherine Reid is a Lecturer in Teacher Education at the University of Glasgow and a member of the Scottish Network for Able Pupils. Her research interests are around inclusion, highly able learners and imagination. She is particularly interested in the impact of policy on school structures and pupil experiences.

Jackie Swan is Executive Director of Education at Kibble, where he leads a wide range of education services, all focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for young people.

He has spent his career in education, starting out as a Mathematics teacher before moving into leadership roles in schools and, later, across local authority services in East Dunbartonshire. Most recently, he worked as Quality Improvement Manager for Additional Support Needs and Children’s Services, where he led large-scale improvement work and supported schools to develop more inclusive and effective practice.

Jackie is known for his ability to bring people together and build strong, supportive teams. He places a strong emphasis on relationships, trust and ensuring children and young people remain at the centre of decision-making. He has also contributed to national education groups, helping to shape thinking around additional support needs and mental health in schools.

Colleagues describe him as approachable, practical and solution-focused, with a genuine passion for making a difference. He is particularly interested in how education systems can work better for all learners, especially those who require additional support to succeed.