Received from: EIS
Congress endorses the principles of inclusive education and full government funding of mainstream schools for the inclusion of pupils with additional support needs (ASN)/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), while maintaining quality special school provision for pupil placement as appropriate.
Congress echoes the calls of education unions for increased, ring-fenced funding to support all pupils with ASN/SEND.
Congress condemns the sustained failure of the UK and devolved governments to fund ASN/SEND provision adequately. Chronic underfunding has left local authorities unable to deliver the level of provision required in law, resulting in huge pressure on schools and a growing number of pupils having their needs unmet.
Congress recognises that what is often labelled as ‘challenging behaviour’ is the direct result of unmet additional support needs, which inhibits educational progress and limits life chances, with profound consequences; and poses significant health, safety and wellbeing risks to teachers and support staff.
Congress asserts that persistent under-investment in ASN/SEND is destabilising the entire education system – damaging the wellbeing and progress of all pupils and placing intolerable pressure on teachers and support staff.
Congress instructs the General Council to campaign for the UK government, and call on the devolved administrations, to put in place the requisite additional, ring-fenced resources to fully implement the relevant legal duties for all pupils with additional support needs and thereby improve the quality of education provision and wellbeing for all pupils, and the working conditions, health, safety and wellbeing of teachers and support staff.
Educational Institute of Scotland