Children in Aberdeenshire are more likely to be identified as having additional support needs than their counterparts in Aberdeen.
Figures obtained by the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) have revealed a massive disparity in the number of ASN pupils recognised between local authorities.
The charity has revealed there are 3,533 youngsters with ASN in Aberdeen – which amount to 15.9% of the total.
In Aberdeenshire, the figure is 12,554 – 35.7% of all pupils in the area.
A spokesman said better guidance was needed from the Scottish Government to ensure ASN pupils do not miss out.
He said: “This inconsistency in gathering information on and identifying those with ASN by local authorities requires clearer and comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, which is also key if it is to close the educational attainment gap.
“The Scottish Government must commit to working more closely with local authorities to tackle this and develop a universal method to ensure that better information is recorded so that accurate numbers can be reported.
“Only then will we truly be able to provide the best support for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.”
But a government spokeswoman insisted improvements were being made to make it clearer, and that the way of identifying people with ASN had changed since 2010.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen City Council said a far-reaching review into the teaching of ASN pupils was being implemented.
She said: “Schools have the freedom to use their allocated staffing budget for support for learning teachers as they deem most appropriate, which gives them the flexibility to use it to best meet the needs of pupils who require additional support.
“By implementing the recommendations of a far reaching council review of inclusion we offer a wide range of professional learning opportunities across all levels of staff in our schools and with partners.”
Alison Evison, chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s education committee, said a wide range of strategies were used to help youngsters with ASN.
She said: “In Aberdeenshire we support those children in a way that is appropriate to the individual.
“We offer a range of strategies, including literacy support for those with dyslexia and help for those who need special transport arrangements.
“And while we’re proud of the work of teaching and education staff, we can always improve and I’m sure that hard work will continue over the years to come.”
