Castlemilk mum says son does not get enough ASN support at school

Another mum is joining calls for Glasgow City Council to scrap plans to cut around 450 teacher jobs over three years.

Lynn Alexander, from Castlemilk, has a 10-year-old son, Logan.

Logan has dwarfism, autism and global developmental delay - that is when a child takes longer to reach certain developmental milestones than other children their age.

He currently attends St Bartholomew’s Primary School, where mum Lynn said he is part of a mainstream classroom, but he needs one-to-one support.

READ MORE: 'My son hasn't been in school since December': Petition to scrap Glasgow education cuts

Lynn said the environment is difficult for her son, and that he would benefit from attending a school specifically catered for additional needs children.

As it stands, Lynn said her son is on track to attend a mainstream high school and she has "already begun" fighting for a place in an ASN secondary school.

Logan is now learning to read, write and count, but Lynn is worried his education will suffer if he is placed in a classroom where the work is too academically challenging.

Similarly, she fears the planned cuts to teacher and support staff would leave him without support.

'I've failed him'

She said: "I have to start from now to fight to get him into this secondary school.

"They need to help these kids, but not even just the kids - the teachers in mainstream schools are often getting the blame and it's not fair for them.

"I've got three grown-up kids and I'll do whatever I can to give them the best life possible.

"Because of the education system, I've absolutely failed Logan.

"I've got the fight in me, but to be honest, I'm drained...absolutely drained.

"If I'm drained, what does Logan feel?"

Changes expected from August

Lynn is concerned about the future of Glasgow school's abilities to support children with additional support needs if cuts to education go ahead.

Glasgow City Council could cut around 450 teacher jobs over three years, as part of its wider plan to save £27.8 million.

The move has been described as “madness” by teaching unions who say fewer teachers will negatively impact the learning of all pupils.

It is expected that changes to the way Glasgow schools are staffed will be introduced from August, with 172 posts to be cut in the first year.

Glasgow City Council has been contacted for comment.

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