FOI Request - Pupil Support Assistants

Request 101003554312

1.  I would like to request information on cuts to pupil support assistants in Moray primary schools in particular Elgin and Lossiemouth which will be coming into effect in the new school term August 2024.

2.  I would also like to request information relating to cuts to 1:1 funding and support for children with ASN, and how the education department will meet the needs of children with complex needs and or autism with small group funding.

3.  A further request I would like to make is around funding for short breaks and respite provision for children with additional support needs. Could you please provide the amount of funds which are allocated for these services from April 2024 for a period of 3 years.

Response 14-05-2024

1. The change management plan for the pupil support staff has meant that support has been given in relation to the needs identified within each school.  This has meant a movement of staff in some locations.  In the Elgin ASG schools, the allocation of pupil support staff has increased by 27.5 hours overall.  In Lossie ASG, there has been an increase of 6 hours.

2.  In Moray, children have not been allocated 1:1 support in the past.  Schools and settings are awarded an amount of ASN allocation and it is their responsibility to ensure that the right support is provided at the right times.  Throughout the day, the young person could be supported by a teacher, work independently or supported by pupil support staff.  This will be a mixture of individual and group support dependent on the requirement of the young person.

3. The short-breaks provision is currently in the tendering process; as such, we are applying Section 33(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Commercial interests. The Council does not believe it is in the public interest to disclose financial information that could impact on the contract award process, which could cause increased costs to the Council's and therefore the public purse.