JNC Expansion of Additional Support Needs (ASN) Provision 01 09 26
Renfrewshire Council · 1 September 2026
Back to Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff — 1 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1 September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side) Expansion of Renfrewshire Additional Support Needs (ASN) Provision Strategic Overview ASN in Renfrewshire Renfrewshire continues to experience a significant increase in the number of children and young people identified as requiring Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision. Currently, 45.6% of pupils across the authority are recorded as having an additional support need. Alongside increasing demand, the complexity of need has also grown. This has required the Education Service to continuously review and adapt its approaches to inclusion, intervention and specialist provision to ensure children and young people receive the right support, at the right time and in the right setting. Following the introduction of the refreshed GIRFEC framework, Renfrewshire has adopted a strategic and data-informed approach to planning and delivering ASN services. This includes strengthening early intervention, expanding targeted support pathways and developing more flexible models of provision. Our work in this area is increasingly being recognised through external scrutiny and national engagement, reflecting the quality and responsiveness of the support available across the authority. To ensure we can continue to meet rising demand while supporting inclusion within local communities, a phased programme of ASN expansion is proposed. Expansion of ASN Provision Short-Term Actions (2026-27) Expansion of FLS at Linwood High School. Flexible Learning Service (FLS) Pilot at Linwood High School Develop a pilot provision that offers young people access to mainstream learning opportunities while providing a dedicated and adaptable base for those requiring enhanced support. Previously this FLR provided support to senior phase learners.
Page 2
PUBLIC This expansion allows children from S1 through to S6 to receive support in this provision. The pilot will: • Support successful transition from primary to secondary school. • Increase inclusion within mainstream settings. • Provide targeted interventions to sustain placements. • Inform future development of secondary ASN provision. • Have 2 primary teachers, 2 ASNA also an additional Key Worker Establish an Additional Primary Flexible Learning Space at Rashielea Primary School Create additional ASN capacity through the development of a Flexible Learning Space at Rashielea Primary School. The location offers: • High-quality outdoor learning opportunities. • Appropriate spaces to support sensory and regulation needs. • Reduced transport requirements for learners living in Renfrew and Erskine. The provision will be supported through: • Principal Teacher FLR • 1 Teacher • 1 Education, Leisure and Community Officer (ELCO) • 1 Additional Support Needs Assistant (ASNA) This support will enable targeted intervention for pupils requiring enhanced support to maintain engagement within mainstream education. Increase Staffing Capacity within West FLR Provide: • 1 Teacher • 1 ELCO This additional staffing will enable West FLR to expand its capacity and operate from a mainstream environment, supporting P1 learners requiring targeted intervention and helping sustain mainstream placements at an earlier stage.
Page 3
PUBLIC Expand Capacity at Mary Russell School and Riverbrae School Undertake targeted adaptations and reconfiguration of existing spaces within both schools to increase classroom capacity and respond to projected growth in demand. This approach will maximise existing assets while creating additional learning environments that meet the needs of children and young people with complex additional support needs. Medium-Term Actions (2027-29) Develop a Permanent expansion of FLR Model within a Secondary Subject to evaluation of the Linwood High School pilot, develop permanent expansion of Linwood FLR model which supports learners from BGE through to Senior Phase. The model would: • Provide structured access to mainstream learning at all stages • Offer a dedicated support base for learners requiring enhanced provision. • Increase inclusion and participation. • Support improved learner outcomes. Placements would continue to be agreed through the Education Support Resource Group (ESRG) process. Expand the Pathways to Success Programme Build on the success of the existing Skills Academy by expanding the Pathways to Success model. Investment would focus on: • Increasing capacity. • Expanding available learning space. • Enhancing supported vocational opportunities. • Developing a wider range of skills-based learning pathways. • Supporting positive destinations for young people who may not thrive within traditional mainstream models. Strategic Use of Temporary Learning Accommodation Review opportunities to repurpose or relocate existing teaching huts (modular units) that remain operational.
Page 4
PUBLIC These spaces could provide: • Flexible learning environments for senior phase learners. • Additional specialist teaching areas. • Increased capacity within existing school buildings for younger learners with more complex needs. Long-Term Actions (2029 onwards) Undertake a Comprehensive ASN Estate Review Complete a strategic review of ASN provision across Renfrewshire to understand: • Future demographic trends. • Emerging learner profiles. • Demand projections. • Capacity requirements. • Geographic distribution of need. The review will inform a long-term ASN strategy that ensures provision remains sustainable, equitable and responsive to future demand. Embed ASN Provision within the Learning Estate Strategy Ensure ASN planning is fully integrated within the wider Learning Estate Strategy. This will support: • Strategic investment decisions. • Better alignment between mainstream and specialist provision. • Improved use of resources. • Sustainable estate planning. • A coherent authority-wide approach to meeting additional support needs. Conclusion Renfrewshire's ASN population continues to grow in both scale and complexity. To ensure children and young people continue to receive high-quality support within inclusive and appropriate learning environments, a phased programme of expansion is required. The proposed short, medium and long-term actions will:
Page 5
PUBLIC • Increase capacity across the ASN sector. • Support earlier intervention. • Enhance inclusion within mainstream settings. • Reduce pressure on specialist provisions. • Improve learner pathways and outcomes. • Ensure future provision is strategically planned and sustainable. This programme will position Renfrewshire to meet increasing demand while maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education for all children and young people.