HALF of secondary schoolgirls with special needs such as autism and dyslexia have experienced bullying, according to new research.
A study published by the Scottish Government found some pupils even had to move school because of the problem.
The findings were published as the government issued new guidance for schools on pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
John Swinney, the Education Secretary, said the guidance gave clear information on whether ASN pupils would be best educated in mainstream or special schools.
Read more: What next for controversial policy of inclusion
The research found many secondary pupils liked the range of subjects and the support they received at mainstream school.
But it added: “However, some secondary school pupils said they did not like anything about their school at all.
“Some said they hated school and did not want to be there, and some said they did not like their teachers.
“In terms of safety, some mainstream school pupils said that they felt, or had previously felt, very unsafe due to bullying.
“Half of all secondary school girls involved in the research had experienced bullying, with two moving schools due to bullying.”
Read more: Scottish teachers "set up to fail" vulnerable pupils
Overall, almost all pupils at mainstream schools and special schools felt their needs were well met.
Almost 200,000 pupils are identified as having additional support needs, more than a quarter of all pupils.
The research was carried out in 18 schools in six council areas last year.
Teachers highlighted challenges around balancing their time between the whole class and the pupils in need of individual support.
A few teachers felt that the inclusion of children with ASN, particularly behavioural needs, was having a negative impact on wider learning.
The new guidance was welcomed by council umbrella body Cosla and the charity Enable Scotland, which supports ASN pupils.
The Scottish Children's Services Coalition, which represents a range of special schools, said: "Anything that can support the inclusion of those with additional support needs in a mainstream environment is to be greatly welcomed, and this includes new guidance and online training.
"The fundamental challenge, however, is one of resourcing and this is clearly challenging in an environment of austerity."
Read more: Record number of ASN pupils in schools
Iain Gray, Scottish Labour's education spokesman, said the guidance "completely ignored" the real world of children being failed because of a lack of resources.
He said: "Unless today’s guidance is backed-up with increased resources to undo the cuts to specialist teachers and support staff, then it is no more than warm words.
"Reports from organisations such as the National Autistic Society, Children in Scotland and Scottish Autism highlight the daily realities of children with additional support needs. They need the right policy and guidance in place, of course. But they need the resources too, so that they can reach their full potential."
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