WEST of Scotland MSP Ross Greer says local children with additional support needs may not be getting the level of support that children from higher income areas receive.

Neighbouring local authorities record very different proportions of pupils with “Additional Support Needs”, from 14 per cent in Renfrewshire to 35 per cent in West Dunbartonshire, which Greer says suggests a “postcode lottery”.

Mr Greer, education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said: “To see such wide variations in data suggests some local authorities are better than others at identifying youngsters with additional support needs.

“If we’re serious about closing the attainment gap we must listen to those working with children who are being denied adequate funding to address learning difficulties, speech and behaviour and conditions such as autism.

“Scottish Ministers must work closely with local education authorities to ensure those who need help are identified. We cannot allow young people to miss out on the support they need to thrive in our schools.”