🧩 Every Child Deserves the Right Support – We're Calling for Change in East Ayrshire

I’m a parent of a child with additional support needs (ASN) at Whatriggs Primary School in East Ayrshire. Like many parents, I’ve watched my daughter struggle in an education system that doesn’t have the staffing or resources to support her properly.

She is autistic, with complex support needs, but often comes home from school overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted — not because the staff don’t care, but because they are overstretched and under-resourced. And she’s not alone.

📄 What the Council Told Us

Following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, we learned that:

Whatriggs Primary was allocated just 0.5 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) Class Teacher and 1 FTE Pupil Support Assistant for ASN in 2025–2026.

There is no formal guidance from East Ayrshire Council on how ASN funding is calculated or distributed to schools.

There is no additional ring-fenced funding for things like autism support, outreach, or inclusive education projects.

Many schools across East Ayrshire are operating under similar conditions, with minimal resources to support children who need help the most.

This is unacceptable. Our children cannot advocate for themselves, so we must do it for them.

🧭 What We’re Calling For

We are asking East Ayrshire Council, with the support of our local councillors, to:

✅ Urgently review ASN funding and staffing in all schools

✅ Introduce transparent, needs-based funding criteria

✅ Increase resources for ASN pupils — including PSAs, specialist support, and teacher training

✅ Commit to inclusive education that meets legal obligations and moral standards

📣 Why This Matters

Every day, children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory needs, and mental health struggles are being left behind. Staff are doing their best, but without proper support, it’s the children who suffer — academically, emotionally, and socially.

This is not a blame campaign. We stand with schools.

But it’s time for East Ayrshire Council to do better — and for councillors to take this seriously.

Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can speak up for those who can’t.