Petition against Falkirk provision plans

Over 2,500 people have signed a petition, raising concerns at plans to change provision for children with additional support needs in Falkirk.

Falkirk Council has outlined plans, integrating children into mainstream classrooms.

They're proposing cutting all specialist Enhanced Provision centres for primary age children in Falkirk.

Parents say the move could "jeopardise" education for children with additional needs.

The petition says the plan is "deeply concerning".

The petition, from Karen Jane Hassan, reads:

"My son thrives in an Enhanced Provision setting where he receives specialised support tailored to his unique needs. As an autistic child who is minimally verbal and has complex care requirements, the stability and specialised attention he receives are crucial to his educational development and wellbeing.

Falkirk Council's proposed changes to the Enhanced Provision Model could jeopardize the education and emotional stability of children like my son. The suggested adjustments include diminishing the level of care and support that these children receive by taking them out of their established environments and placing them in new schools. Such destabilisation can adversely affect children who depend on routine and familiar surroundings for their learning and development.

Moreover, the plan to integrate these children into mainstream classrooms is deeply concerning. Mainstream schools are not equipped with the resources or trained personnel required to nurture children with complex additional needs adequately. This lack of resources will not only affect the children transitioning into these settings but will also place a significant strain on existing resources in mainstream classrooms, potentially disrupting the education and wellbeing of all students.

The changes proposed by Falkirk Council ignore the individual and collective needs of children in Enhanced Provision settings. Perpetuating an inclusive educational system requires resources, commitment, and specialised support. By diluting these vital services, the council is failing children who rely on Enhanced Provision settings for their educational success.

I urge Falkirk Council to reconsider these proposals and maintain the current Enhanced Provision Model that successfully supports children with additional needs. The education and future of our children must not be put at risk due to budgetary constraints or logistical challenges.

Join me in opposing these changes to protect and prioritise the education of children with complex needs in Falkirk and beyond.  Please sign this petition to make sure our voices are heard and the needs of our children are respected."

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said:

"The education service is currently embarking on a consultation to review the way in which enhanced support for children with additional support needs can be provided in an equitable way across all primary schools.

"Moving forward, this proposal would redistribute the resources from the current 15 Enhanced Provisions to across all primary schools in order to embed the right support for children to attend their local catchment school.

"No decision has been made and this is the purpose of the consultation which will involve engagement with all stakeholders, in a variety of ways, to gather views in order to support decision making.

"The consultation closes on Monday 27 October 2025 and it is hoped that a report will be presented to Council Executive in February 2026."