SCOTLAND risks a “lost generation” of children with additional support needs (ASN) unless real-terms funding cuts are reversed, a children’s services alliance warned today.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) has called on all parties to make more support for children with conditions including, autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, a “central commitment” in May’s Holyrood election.

The demand came after SCSC analysis of new Scottish government figures showing that average additional support for learning (ASL) spend per pupil in 2024/25 prices had fallen from £5,504 in 2014/15 to £3,804 in 2024/25 — amounting to a 30.1 per cent cut over the decade.

Between 2014 and 2024, the number of specialist ASN teachers in Scotland also fell from 3,077 to 2,837, while numbers of pupils identified with ASN rocketing from 140,501 to 284,448.

Calling the figures “deeply concerning,” an SCSC spokesperson said: “We urge all political parties to make provision for this group a central commitment in their election campaigns.

“It is vital that the Scottish government and local authorities increase resources to expand access to the likes of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists, and classroom assistants.

“Without this investment, we risk a lost generation of children with ASN missing out on the care and support they need, when they need.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We are investing a further £28 million this year to support the additional support needs workforce, in addition to record spend of over £1 billion by local authorities on ASN in 2024-25, and the Scottish government has committed to a wider review to explore what more can be done to support pupils and staff.”

Cosla was contacted for comment.