Staged intervention for additional support in Scotland: what it means in 2026
Staged intervention is the way many Scottish local authorities organise identification, planning and review of support. In 2026, local models still vary. A new National Staged Intervention Model is being developed, but national rollout is planned to begin in August 2028.
Scotland has a separate additional support for learning framework. Check current Scottish Government guidance and your education authority’s procedures.
What happens now
Scottish Government guidance says local authorities and agencies currently use different staged approaches, commonly with three to six stages. The idea is to identify needs early, use proportionate support and involve additional expertise or agencies as needed.
What changed in August 2026
The Scottish Government published a route map for a National Staged Intervention Model on 31 August 2026. The aim is to create greater consistency across all 32 council areas in how needs are identified, support is planned and delivered, and progress is reviewed.
What has not changed yet
The national model is still being designed. Co-design is scheduled through February 2027, followed by guidance development, phased testing and national rollout beginning in August 2028. Families should therefore continue to use their council’s current procedures while watching for local implementation updates.
Questions to ask school now
- Which stage of the local support process is my child at?
- What support is attached to that stage?
- What evidence would trigger a review or move to a different level of support?
- Who is coordinating the plan?
- When is the next review date?
Official and authoritative sources
Scottish Government — Identifying and Assessing Needs
Scottish Government — National Staged Intervention Model route map
Scottish Government — Consistent additional support for learning (31 August 2026)
Community
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