Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Support for Learning Review?
Shetland Islands Council's Children’s Services is conducting a Support for Learning Review to look at how children and young people across Shetland receive support for their learning, and how we can make this support more effective.
Why are we doing the Review?
In Shetland and across Scotland there are more learners with recorded support for learning needs than ever before. We want to work with families to understand what is working well and which areas of the system we can strengthen. The review is an important step in our commitment to continually improving the standard of provision for children and young people in Shetland.
What do we mean by ‘support for learning’?
Support for learning refers to the range of practices, staffing, and resources provided across early learning and childcare settings and schools to ensure that all children and young people can access the curriculum, participate fully in school life, and achieve positive outcomes. It includes universal classroom practice, targeted interventions, specialist resources and staff (e.g. ASN teachers, learning support workers) as well as partnership input (e.g., psychological services, health, social work). Support looks different for every child and young person and may change over time.
What is this consultation for and who can take part?
This consultation gives parents and carers the opportunity to share their experiences of support for learning. Feedback will be used to inform the findings of the review and help shape future improvement work. The consultation is intended for parents and carers of children and young people with any experience of support for learning, whether this support is occasional, targeted, or ongoing.
What are additional support needs?
A child or young person is considered to have additional support needs when, for any reason, they require additional support to benefit from education.
This may relate to:
- Learning environment or teaching approaches
- Health needs or disability
- Social, emotional or behavioural factors
- Communication needs
- Family circumstances or disrupted learning
Additional support needs can be short‑term or long‑term and are defined within Scotland’s statutory framework, including the Additional Support for Learning Act and Getting It Right For Every Child.
When are we going to see results?
The review will conclude with a report setting out findings and recommendations. Timescales for implementation will vary depending on the nature of the recommendations, with some improvements possible in the short term and others requiring longer‑term planning.
When will the review conclude?
The review is expected to conclude in September 2027, following analysis of consultation feedback and engagement with key stakeholders. Further updates will be shared as the work progresses.
How much will the review cost?
Shetland Islands Council has employed two part‑time project managers (equivalent to one full‑time post) to manage the day‑to‑day delivery of the review. The review itself does not have significant additional costs. However, recommendations arising from the review may have future budget implications. Any proposals requiring additional funding would be considered through the Council’s decision‑making and budget processes.
What does this mean for my child?
The review will not change your child’s support arrangements while it is underway. Its purpose is to understand experiences and improve services over time, helping ensure children and young people receive the right support in the right place.
Is this about closing schools?
No. The Support for Learning Review is not about school closures. It is focused on how support for learning is planned, delivered, and resourced across Shetland to better meet children’s needs.
Does my child need to currently be in school or early learning and childcare to take part?
No. Parents and carers of children who have left school are also invited to complete the survey, including those who have transitioned to further education, training, or other provision, as their experiences remain valuable to the review.
Can members of the general public take part?
The consultation is focused on gathering feedback from parents and carers with experience of support for learning. While information about the review is public, participation in the consultation is targeted to ensure feedback is relevant to the scope of the review.
Will my feedback be confidential?
Yes. All responses will be treated confidentially. Feedback will be reported in a way that does not identify individuals or families.
What will happen with the feedback?
Feedback will contribute to the overall evidence base for the review and help shape future planning, service improvement, and decision‑making around support for learning.
Do I need to book to attend a drop‑in session?
No. Drop‑in sessions are informal and you can attend without booking. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as suits you.
What can I expect at a drop-in session?
Our drop‑in sessions are designed to reflect the parent and carer survey, giving you different ways to share your views.
The space will be organised into zones, each linked to a key survey theme. In each zone you will find:
- Prompt questions to help guide your thinking
- Materials to write down or record your views in the way that suits you best
You can move around the room at your own pace and spend as much or as little time as you like in each area.
There will also be staff available throughout the session if you would prefer to talk through your experiences, ask questions, or get support in sharing your views.
Who is the childcare for, and what happens there?
Free childcare will be available at all in‑person drop‑in sessions for parents and carers who would benefit from support while they take part in the consultation. This is provided by Ability Shetland. Children from 0-18 years of age can attend. There will be a craft activity, some physical activities and tabletop games.
My child has significant support needs – can they attend the childcare?
Yes. Parents and carers remain responsible for their child and will be asked to provide relevant information (for example, allergies or specific additional needs) on arrival. You are free to check in with your child at any time. Please contact Ability Shetland in advance if you would like to discuss your child’s support needs or to find out more about what will be provided.
Email: abilityshetland@shetland.org Phone: 01595 743922
Is there an online option if I can’t attend in person?
Yes. An online session is available for families living on Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries. If you live somewhere else in Shetland and would like to join this session, you can get in touch to request a link.
What if I need support to take part?
We want the review to be as accessible as possible. Please contact the review team to discuss what would help you. Feedback can be shared in different ways, including talking, writing or drawing.
Can I get information in an alternative format?
Yes. If you require information in an alternative or accessible format, please contact the review team and we will do our best to support your request.