A mother has launched a petition demanding more college places for students with additional support needs (ASN), calling on the Scottish Government to address a shortage she believes is detrimental to thousands of school leavers who rely on tailored support.
Lisa Devine, 43, is a full-time carer for her daughter Erin, 18, who was born with microcephaly, a neurological condition that means her head is significantly smaller than average because her brain has not developed properly. Erin also has learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
Lisa launched the petition after Erin finished school and found she had little chance of securing a suitable college. Instead, Erin attends a lifestyle centre three days a week, and even faced a 16-week wait for that placement.
Only one dedicated ASN college in Scotland
There are more than 100 specialist ASN units in schools, but only one dedicated college. Lisa, of Blantyre, Lanarkshire, said: "This scarcity of ASN-dedicated colleges creates significant barriers for these young individuals, stymieing potential and hindering future prospects.
"That's why I'm urging the Scottish Government and education authorities to take immediate action by investing in the creation of more ASN-dedicated colleges. All children in Scotland, regardless of needs, deserve the opportunity to shine."
Government statistics show a record 299,445 children were classified as having ASN this year, equivalent to 43 per cent of the school roll. Scotland's only dedicated ASN college, Corseford in Renfrewshire, opened its doors in September 2022, offering further education to school leavers with complex support needs and multiple disabilities.
Petition attracts more than 1,000 signatures
The college has a capacity of just 40 students under current funding arrangements. Lisa's petition has already attracted more than 1000 signatures.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Children's Services Coalition said: "Young people like Erin have the same right as any other school leaver to keep learning and reach their full potential."
Scottish Tories education spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher MSP said: "Ministers are letting down families at the very point their children need support most. The SNP must stop abandoning these young people."
The Scottish Government have been contacted for comment.
