Council formalises Additional Support Needs (ASN) stage at Loanhead Primary School
Midlothian councillors have approved plans to establish a new Additional Support Needs (ASN) stage at Loanhead Primary School. This decision follows a statutory consultation to formalise existing arrangements and secure a long-term base for the ASN provision under the leadership of the Head Teacher of Loanhead Primary School.
Support for the proposal
A total of 114 responses were received during the consultation, which ran from 2 April to 2 June 2025. Of these, 71 supported the proposal to create the new ASN stage, while 58 supported placing it under the leadership of the Head Teacher. An independent report by Education Scotland confirmed that it would help the council meet the growing demand for ASN places. HM Inspectors agreed that there are clear educational benefits. However, they highlighted that adaptations to the school environment and further staff training will be needed to ensure children with additional support needs accessing the provision can continue to be supported, including access to high-quality therapeutic interventions, where appropriate and based on individual needs.
Specialist teaching and resources
Currently, 16 children with additional support needs are learning in adapted classrooms within the former St Margaret’s Primary School building next door, supported by specialist staff and equipped with tailored resources that meet their individual needs.
Permanent home at Loanhead Primary
Councillor Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is an important step forward in making sure our Midlothian children with additional needs get the right support in the right setting. Parents, carers and staff told us how valuable this provision has been, and I’m delighted we are giving it a permanent home at Loanhead Primary School. We will continue to work closely with staff to make the improvements needed and ensure every child can thrive.”
Meeting the needs of children
The council will now move forward with reviewing the current learning environment, identifying necessary improvements where required, and providing staff with the training and resources needed to meet the needs of all children accessing the provision.