Children with disabilities may be missing out on crucial support, according to the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC).
Figures published in the Scottish Government census show “major disparities” across council areas in identifying pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
Almost one-third of primary pupils in Perth and Kinross (31.8%) are classed as having additional needs, while in Angus, it is just 9.6%.
At secondary school level, 24% of pupils in Perth and Kinross were recorded as having additional needs while in Angus it was 12%.
In Dundee, 15.6% of primary and 15% of secondary school children had ASN.
Fife had 14% at primary school and 21% at secondary school.
The SCSC has now called for “urgent action” to ensure more reliable information is gathered by local authorities, urging the Scottish Government to provide stricter guidance.
The SCSC believes the inconsistencies are leading to varied support as many children may be slipping through the net when it comes to being identified.
A spokesperson for the SCSC said: “As a coalition we find these major disparities worrying.
“This inconsistency in gathering information on and identifying those with ASN by local authorities requires clearer and comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government.
“The Scottish Government must commit to working more closely with local authorities to tackle this and develop a universal method to ensure that better information is recorded so that accurate numbers can be reported.
“Only then will we truly be able to provide the best support for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.”
A Scottish Government spokesman confirmed that comparisons were difficult to make across different council areas, as each region has its own way of collecting data, adding: “We continue to work with partners in local authorities to share best practice and have seen the attainment of pupils with additional support needs improve in recent years.
“There has been a 10% increase in the number of school leavers with ASN leaving school with one or more qualification at SCQF level 5 or better since 2011-12, and the most recent statistics show the number of ASN school leavers going on to work, training or continuing in education went up by more than 4% over the same time frame.
“As the report points out, each council is autonomous and individual variations must be taken into account when collecting data, so comparisons cannot be fairly made across local authorities.
“The Scottish Government has committed to considering these issues, including improving guidance to local authorities on the recording of statistical information.”