To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the data from the pupil census supplementary statistics, which reportedly shows that the number of pupils with additional support needs in Dumfries and Galloway increased by over 1,000 between 2019 and 2023. (S6O-04171)

Figures published last month show that, nationally, 40.5 per cent of school-age children were recorded as having an additional support need in 2024. Those figures show an increased recognition by local authorities of the needs of pupils, which is, in turn, reflective of the inclusive approach that the Scottish Government has taken to education. However, I accept that that presents challenges across our education system. That is why next year’s budget includes additional investment of £29 million for additional support for learning for local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway. That builds on our joint work with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to deliver the additional support for learning action plan, which is already under way.

The figures show a 16 per cent rise in ASN pupils in Dumfries and Galloway since 2019, and that number continues to rise. The number of ASL teachers has been cut by 16 per cent over the same period and by a shocking 40 per cent since 2010. What assurances can the cabinet secretary give that those cuts in ASL teachers will be fully reversed by the Government’s budget and through the recruitment of additional teachers, at a time when the council is consulting on further cuts to ASL teachers? Behind those numbers, there are far too many young people who are simply not getting the support that they need.

I thank the member for his question, and I recognise some of the challenge there. He will recognise that, thanks to additional investment from this Government, since 2014, the overall number of teachers in Scottish schools has increased by more than 2,500. He will also know that I updated Parliament on the Government’s response to the issue before the Christmas break. I gave an update to Parliament then on the agreement that we have reached with local authorities, which will see the £145 million for teacher numbers, which is ring fenced, uprated by £41 million. It will also secure additional investment for additional support for learning. The purpose of that £29 million is to provide additionality to local authorities such as Dumfries and Galloway to allow them to invest in specialists, because we know that those specialists make a real difference. I very much hope that the member will be encouraged by that investment from the Government and will be inclined to support the budget when it comes to Parliament.