Additional support
Everyone needs support as they go through school and their career. We’ve pulled together sources of help and advice for parents, carers and anyone who needs additional support.
Meet apprentice Ross
As ScotRail's first deaf apprentice, Ross has already made a lasting impact. He loves meeting passengers in the station and his job has boosted his confidence. In this video he explains how he got his Modern Apprenticeship. His mum also talks about what helped him to find his job.
How we can support you
Our careers advisers offer support to everyone, including parents and carers. Whatever your age and stage, we can help you. You can contact your local centre to arrange a face-to-face appointment with an adviser. Or call our friendly team on 0800 917 8000.
Get resources and support
Support in education and work
DFN Project SEARCH
This programme aims to transform the lives of young adults with a learning disability and autism, or both. With their partners they make supported internships for young people.
Enquire for Parents
Enquire explains children’s rights to get support in education. Learn about your rights as a parent or carer to be involved in decisions. Find out how to work together with your child’s school or nursery.
Lead Scotland
Lead Scotland is a national charity that links education and disability. They support disabled people and carers, with personalised learning, befriending, advice and information.
My Rights, My Say
Young people have the right to be involved in decisions about their support at school. My Rights, My Say helps children with additional support needs aged 12 to 15 to say what’s important to them.
Parentzone Scotland
Find out what learning and support young people should get during their education. From early years to leaving school, there’s advice on smooth transitions and staying safe online.
Reach
All young people should be listened to and involved in decisions about education. REACH can help understand everyone’s rights to support in learning.
Support for families
Disability Information Scotland – search local support
The quick search on this page can show you hundreds of local organisations supporting disabled children and families.
Parent Network Scotland
Parent Network Scotland is a national charity, run for parents by parents. Their family courses offer useful techniques to help make parenting easier.
Scottish Autism
Scottish Autism helps enable autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. There’s a dedicated space for family support including a specialist phone line.
Support during transitions
Compass for Parents/Carers
Compass for Parents/Carers is an online tool that helps you support your child towards leaving school, or other big changes. It includes topics such as life skills, planning and benefits.
Scottish Transitions Forum – Parent and Carer Network
A supportive network for parents or carers of young people with additional support needs as they make the transition to young adult life.
Talking about Tomorrow
This website has been put together with parents, for parents, to help prepare for your child’s transition from school.
Resources for your child
Compass for young people
Compass is an online tool that helps young people prepare for big changes in life. That could be leaving school, getting a job, or changing health services.
Mindroom resources
Find resources for children, young people and the people who support them. They include videos from families talking about a range of learning difficulties. There’s also a jargon-buster about additional support.