Event Summary

The number of children requiring additional support across Scotland has risen at an unprecedented rate in recent years, with 43% of pupils now requiring Additional Support Learning (ASL) in 2025.*

As schools respond to growing demand and the implementation of recommendations from the Additional Support for Learning Review, join Holyrood Insight’s annual Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Scotland Conference to help ensure provision at your school is the best it can be.

We will help you get to grips with existing and upcoming reforms, including the recommendations from the Additional Support for Learning Review, and wider education reforms to the curriculum, inspectorate and Qualifications Scotland.

We will spotlight the range of support available to both staff and students, from educational resources to expert guidance. Learn how stronger collaboration between schools, local authorities, charities, health and specialists can ensure learners access the right support at the right time.

With the number of ASN teachers in Scotland falling to the lowest level on record, explore strategies to support non-specialist teaching staff and Pupil Support Assistants, helping to build confidence and capacity. Gain practical methods to manage the administrative demands of ASL and ensure staff have the time and tools needed to support learners effectively.

You will learn how schools can move from reactive responses to preventative support, identifying needs early and putting structure in place to help learners thrive.

Explore innovative approaches inclusive learning, including adapting physical learning environments and taking advantage of digital tools to enhance accessibility. You will learn how to implement a whole-school approach to ASL that meaningfully involves children cares and staff in decision-making. Hear practical strategies to track and celebrate the progress of ASN learners, ensuring their achievements are visible and rewarded.

Learn how to support students with a broad range of ASN, including neurodiversity, ESL, young carers and social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. Gain insight into how targeted interventions can work across a range of learning environments.

How can you change attitudes around ASN and inclusion? We will explore how you can effectively meet the needs of all learners, including the most vulnerable. Learn how to implement the GIRFEC principles in practice and embed inclusion at the heart of your curriculum and school culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and be inspired by colleagues from across Scotland.

*Pupil Census, 2025

Key Points

  • Understanding the recommendations made by the Additional Support for Learning Review: national planning and staged intervention, workforce alignment, early intervention, and national visibility of need, progress and impact
  • The impact of wider education reforms including changes to the education inspectorate, Qualifications Scotland, and curriculum reform
  • Funding and policy priorities to strengthen ASL provision
  • Working with limited resources and staff
  • Removing barriers to communication between key stakeholders
  • Understanding the range of ASN learners may have
  • Practical advice and resources for supporting ASN learners
  • Strategies to meet the growth in ASL
  • Monitoring outcomes for pupils with ASL
  • Empowering teachers and pupil support staff

Sponsorship

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Group discounts

Contact us for group rates.