The Learning Development Service consists of five Advisory and Support Teachers (who have some managerial responsibilities) and a number of teachers and special support assistants who work in schools to support pupils. The aim of the Learning Development Service is to facilitate equality of opportunity for children who need learning support in a mainstream school setting. The Learning Development Service provides a range of services to these pupils and their teachers including individual learning support for those pupils who are the subject of a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

The Learning Development Service works closely with the Educational Psychology Service through shared referral procedures.

Schools also have access to advice and consultation from the Advisory and Support Teachers, each of whom has either a recognised qualification in specific learning difficulties and an additional specialism, eg. health and safety issues, mathematics, information and communication technology or possess particular skills and expertise in behaviour management. There is increasing recognition that some pupils with diagnosed conditions, for example Autistic Spectrum Disorders, need a high level of input, both in terms of advice and direct support from this service. Secondary schools are also able to access the Learning Development Service for advice and consultation. The team has a resource base which contains a range of materials for learning support. The Learning Development Service also provides training for both its staff and for schools generally.