By Eve Millar

SOUTH AYSHIRE councillors have passed plans which would develop and improve the services in place for pupils with Additional Support Needs in Troon. 

The decision follows a public consultation on ASN which showed extensive support for further services based at Troon Primary School.

This plan will see two classrooms at the school converted into a space specifically for pupils with ASN, to allow them to be the best learners they can be with appropriate support and there will also be quiet rooms, family meeting rooms and new accessible toilets, shower rooms, changing spaces and outdoor areas.  

Councillor William Grant, the Education lead for SAC, described the response as “all been very positive”  saying the decision would relieve pressure on parents and carers to commit their own additional funding.

He added: “It’s important [to fund this project] if we believe that everyone is equal.”  

Currently, South Ayrshire is home to five schools with ASN bases, none of which are north of Ayr, and the new base will be life-changing, as it provides closer access to the services and eases the burden on current services.  

An Audit Scotland, report released on at the end of February stated the Scottish Government and local authorities need to “fundamentally evaluate” the way that Additional Support for Learning (ASL) is planned for, funded and staffed.