System to better target special needs resources

Supports are to be allocated without the need for the assessment of pupils to guarantee extra help at school.

Thousands of parents should no longer have to wait years or raise cash to get diagnosis that a child with disability needs for extra teaching support in schools.

Two thirds of schools could lose small levels of teaching supports for pupils with additional learning needs. However, a new system to take effect from September aims to better target resources at pupils who need them most.