Question reference: S5W-09044
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 26 April 2017
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 9 May 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported increase in the number of pupils with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, what the guidance provided to schools is on the ratio of (a) teachers and (b) teaching assistants to pupils.
Answer
Education authorities have duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 (as amended) to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils, including those with ADHD. This includes ensuring there are the appropriate resources in place to support children and young people in their learning.
There is no specific guidance on the ratio of teachers of teaching assistants to pupils. This is a matter for education authorities.
The Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice provides detailed practical guidance on supporting a child or young person with an additional support need. The code of practice is due to be revised in 2017