Education and learning in Scotland
Read about education and learning for deaf children and young people in Scotland.
This information is for families of deaf children and young people in Scotland. Read our information for England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
All children and young people in Scotland have the right to access education and have their needs met. This includes children and young people with all types of hearing loss and levels of deafness.
We know that in the right environment and with the right support, every deaf child can thrive. Read about the education system in Scotland and the additional support available for deaf children and young people.
Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC)
In Scotland there are lots of ways you can get the support you need.
The foundation for all support is the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) policy. GIRFEC promotes, supports and safeguards the wellbeing of all children under 18. Under GIRFEC, all services working with children, young people and families, should give the right support at the right time.
The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, Enquire, have a short leaflet that explains GIRFEC.
You can read detailed information about GIRFEC on the Scottish Government’s website.
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of GIRFEC. Services working with children under 18 years old track 8 wellbeing indicators, known as SHANARRI. The indicators are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included.
Schools should use SHANARRI to measure how a child or young person child is doing. Read more about the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators (gov.scot).
Named person
A key part of GIRFEC is the named person. This is someone with an overview of all the services involved with a child or young person. The named person is the central point of contact for a family if you want advice or support.
Read more about the role of a named person (gov.scot).
Lead professional
Some children and young people need extra support to meet their wellbeing needs. In this case, the local authority may suggest a personalised plan. This is often called Child’s Plan (gov.scot). Some local authorities have different names for it.
If a child or young person needs a Child’s Plan, a lead professional will be agreed. This person will work with the family and services. Their role is to coordinate and review the support agreed for a child or young person.
Read more about the role of the lead professional (gov.scot).
Child’s Plan
A Child’s Plan sets out a child or young person’s needs and how those needs should be met. It should reflect the child or young person’s voice.
All the professionals who work with a child or young person must use the Child's Plan to meet their wellbeing needs. This includes a named person, the lead professional and their Teacher of the Deaf (ToD), if they have one. The ToD will explain the deaf-specific support a deaf child or young person may need as part of a Child’s Plan.
Some children with a Child's Plan will also have additional support needs (ASN). They will need extra support, known as additional support for learning (ASL). This will be recorded in an Individualised Educational Programme (IEP). Children and young people with complex needs may have a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP).
Information from an IEP or CSP can be included in a Child’s Plan.
Find out more about additional support in education.
Early education and childcare
Information to help you feel more confident about choosing the right early years education or childcare for your deaf child.
Primary school
In Scotland, school placements are decided by the local authority based on catchment areas. You have a right to request a place at a different school. Find out more about finding the right primary education setting for your deaf child.
Secondary school
Secondary school placements are also decided by the local authority. Learn about the different secondary education options in Scotland.
Post-16 education
Whether it's for further education, an apprenticeship or university, we have information for deaf young people transitioning to adulthood and planning their future.
Additional support
There is support available for deaf children in education in Scotland. Learn about GIRFEC, additional support needs (ASN) and the support plans that can help.
Education rights
Learn about the legal rights that protect deaf children and young people throughout their education.
Making a complaint about education
Learn about how to report a concern or complaint about your child's education.