The number of additional support teachers in schools has fallen to its lowest total since 2007, figures show.
In 2016, there were 2,896 teachers whose main subject was additional support for learning, down 40 on the previous year and a fall from 3,402 in 2009.
The numbers have dropped across primary, secondary and special-needs schools, with notable decreases in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow councils.
The figures were obtained by the Scottish Conservatives after a parliamentary question by MSP Miles Briggs.
He said: "For a government that claims education is its priority and that it is committed to reducing the attainment gap, these numbers are deeply embarrassing.
"The number of children with additional support needs is rising, so it is of real concern that the number of additional support for learning teachers has continued to decline under the SNP.
"Additional support for learning teachers play a vital role in helping pupils achieve their potential and overcome learning challenges, and these figures should act as a wake-up call to SNP ministers."
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