Additional Support Needs Teachers’ Programme

Published 25/02/2026.  Last updated 11/03/2026

This modular programme is for aspiring and existing Additional Support Needs (ASN) teachers. It provides essential knowledge and understanding of inclusion and ASN.

Funded by Scottish Government, the pilot cohort of the programme is now underway. The programme is co-created with teachers and leaders participating in the pilot. This helps to ensure the learning is practical, relevant and effective.

This programme addresses the current gap in free professional learning for ASN teachers. It builds on successful national professional learning approaches. For example, Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice led by Education Scotland and Dyslexia Scotland.

Who the programme is for

The programme supports General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) registered:

  • primary and secondary teachers who wish to become ASN teachers
  • teachers currently working in ASN roles
  • local authority officers with responsibility for ASN and inclusion
  • classroom teachers who want to develop specific skills through individual modules 

About ASN teachers

The term 'ASN Teacher' includes a range of job titles in mainstream and specialist settings. These include:

  • Support for Learning Teacher (SfLT)
  • Additional Support for Learning teacher (ASL Teacher)
  • visiting Support Teacher

The programme aligns with the National Model of Professional Learning and GTCS standards (gtcs.org). Throughout the 12-month programme, participants will engage in:

  • three self-directed online modules
  • monthly term time online engagement sessions facilitated by Education Scotland
  • in-person sessions
  • collaborative learning and reflection through a community of practice
  • development of an action plan connected to their learning and practice

The programme also provides flexible opportunities. Participants can access a wide range of further professional learning. This includes the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities Professional Learning Framework.

How to Get Involved

We will share further updates as the pilot progresses. This includes how to:

  • access module learning
  • enrol in future programme cohorts
  • access co‑design insights
  • shape the next phase 

The form for expressions of interest for cohort 2 will open on 12 March 2026. Applications will close on 22 May 2026. We will inform applicants accepted for this cohort by 12 June 2026.

You can contact the ASN Programme for further information about the ASN Teachers' programme.
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Additional Support Needs Teachers’ Programme

Published 25/02/2026.  Last updated 11/03/2026

This modular programme is for aspiring and existing Additional Support Needs (ASN) teachers. It provides essential knowledge and understanding of inclusion and ASN.

Funded by Scottish Government, the pilot cohort of the programme is now underway. The programme is co-created with teachers and leaders participating in the pilot. This helps to ensure the learning is practical, relevant and effective.

This programme addresses the current gap in free professional learning for ASN teachers. It builds on successful national professional learning approaches. For example, Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice led by Education Scotland and Dyslexia Scotland.

Who the programme is for

The programme supports General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) registered:

  • primary and secondary teachers who wish to become ASN teachers
  • teachers currently working in ASN roles
  • local authority officers with responsibility for ASN and inclusion
  • classroom teachers who want to develop specific skills through individual modules 

About ASN teachers

The term 'ASN Teacher' includes a range of job titles in mainstream and specialist settings. These include:

  • Support for Learning Teacher (SfLT)
  • Additional Support for Learning teacher (ASL Teacher)
  • visiting Support Teacher

The programme aligns with the National Model of Professional Learning and GTCS standards (gtcs.org). Throughout the 12-month programme, participants will engage in:

  • three self-directed online modules
  • monthly term time online engagement sessions facilitated by Education Scotland
  • in-person sessions
  • collaborative learning and reflection through a community of practice
  • development of an action plan connected to their learning and practice

The programme also provides flexible opportunities. Participants can access a wide range of further professional learning. This includes the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities Professional Learning Framework.

How to Get Involved

We will share further updates as the pilot progresses. This includes how to:

  • access module learning
  • enrol in future programme cohorts
  • access co‑design insights
  • shape the next phase 

The form for expressions of interest for cohort 2 will open on 12 March 2026. Applications will close on 22 May 2026. We will inform applicants accepted for this cohort by 12 June 2026.

You can contact the ASN Programme for further information about the ASN Teachers' programme.
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