Children with additional support needs are being let down by the administration of Aberdeenshire Council.

Earlier this year, news of proposed cuts to Speech and Language Therapy across Aberdeenshire caused significant concern. These cuts cover 2% of the council budget over two years or 4% of the 2024/2025 budget.

This decision means that Speech and Language Therapy moves from an enhanced service provided directly in school to a basic one outside the school setting, potentially disrupting and removing children from their learning environment.

Moreover, this decision could lead to more children being excluded from mainstream schools, which goes against everything Aberdeenshire Council's inclusion policies stand for.

These plans have caused great stress and worry to the parents, families, and support systems we work with. 

Critical for the well-being and inclusion of all autistic and neurodivergent individuals, the consequences of this decision have the potential to cause mass disruption to the children and young people who depend on local council support.

We have worked alongside Karen Adams MSP to develop an open letter urging the Aberdeenshire Council to reconsider this decision, voicing concerns and highlighting the risk this decision poses to our children's development. The letter points out the lack of communication and consultation with the families most affected.

The letter calls for this decision to be stopped. You can support this call to action by signing this petition and contacting your local MSP to express your concerns. 

Together, we can ensure our children receive the support they deserve and uphold the values of inclusion and equal opportunities for all.