Renfrewshire Council’s head of schools has apologised to parents of children with additional support needs (ASN) after they were left in the dark over a key meeting, writes Jack Thomson

The high-ranking education officer assured “there was no intention to exclude anyone” and acknowledged the upset caused by a miscommunication.

Several mums and dads were left frustrated after they were given late notice - and some none at all - of a “parent engagement session” concerning the council’s review of its ASN provision.

It meant the meeting at Renfrew High School on Monday was poorly attended and led Councillor Karen Kennedy to claim parents were “royally p***ed off” at “appalling” levels of communication.

In an email to Councillor Kennedy on Wednesday, head of schools Gordon McKinlay held his hands up and apologised.

He said: “Further to our telephone conversation yesterday I can provide an update on the parental engagement exercise for the ASN review.

“I would like to assure you that there was no intention to exclude anyone from being able to contribute to these sessions.

“However, upon investigation it appears that communication with parents has been far less than I would have hoped.

“As such, I would like to apologise for the upset and inconvenience this must have caused.

“The current sessions were meant to cover those who were unable to attend those organised in June.

“As such, it appears that the focus was on the Renfrew and Erskine areas (with Paisley and Johnstone covered in June).

“In order to rectify the error I have asked that we set up further sessions and make sure that ample time is made available for parents to be able to attend. I will ensure you are advised of the details as soon as these are available. Again, please accept my apologies for this.”

Further parent engagement sessions will be heard on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 22: 11.30am to 12.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverbrae School

 Wednesday, October 23: 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Mary Russell School

Tuesday, October 29: 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Park Mains High School

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