Supporting 'Glass Children': Siblings of Pupils with Additional Support Needs

Supporting 'Glass Children': Siblings of Pupils with Additional Support Needs 6-Module CPD Programme for Scottish Educators (7.5 hours) Programme Overview This evidence-based programme equips Scottish educators to recognise and support siblings of children with ASN—often called 'Glass Children' because they're 'looked through' rather than looked at. These pupils represent approximately two in every classroom of thirty yet face almost three times higher risk of mental health difficulties and academic underachievement. Who Should Learn: All Scottish educators: early years practitioners, primary and secondary teachers, support staff, guidance teachers, ASN coordinators, and senior leadership. What You'll Learn Module 1 (1hr 15min): Understanding Glass Children—definitions, prevalence, presentation patterns, risk and protective factors Module 2 (1hr 15min): Recognition across settings—age-specific indicators from nursery through secondary school Module 3 (1hr): Educational transitions—supporting siblings during vulnerable periods of change Module 4 (1hr 15min): Scottish policy frameworks—GIRFEC, ASL Act, SHANARRI, legal rights and entitlements Module 5 (1hr 30min): Evidence-based strategies—tiered support (universal, targeted, intensive) and whole-school approaches Module 6 (1hr): Multi-agency working—referral pathways, resources, and continuing professional development Key Benefits Recognise Glass Children using evidence-based indicators across all age groups Implement practical, low-cost classroom strategies proven to improve outcomes Understand siblings' legal rights under Scottish legislation Navigate referral pathways to specialist services Develop whole-school approaches to systematic sibling support Maintain appropriate professional boundaries whilst providing effective support