We aim as far as is possible to educate pupils who have additional support needs alongside their peer group. When necessary, extra help is provided. This help is delivered in a flexible manner and the pupils can be seen individually, in a group or class.
The Additional Support Needs of the Children are identified through a process of Staged Assessment and Intervention. The process of Staged Assessment and Intervention provides a structured system for the identification, assessment, planning, review and record keeping for individual children who receive additional support of any kind. The Getting it Right Approach for Children and Young People (GIRFEC) in the Western Isles puts in place a network to promote wellbeing so that children and young people get the right help at the right time.
All Looked After Children and Young People are considered to have additional support needs. This is the case unless the school establishes they do not have additional support needs. The Local Authority must consider whether each looked after child requires a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP). The CSP is used to ensure a co-ordinated approach to providing support for children. The CSP will summarise assessments carried out for the child, explain the nature of the child’s difficulties and outline the difficulties the Authority will take to support the pupil’s needs. An assessment service is also provided by the teacher of children with visual and hearing impairment. The Speech Therapist also visits the school to help any pupils who require support.
In addition, an Educational Psychologist advises on the varied behavioural and learning difficulties which all pupils can experience. He can work directly with pupils and families if required.
Under the Equality Act 2010, the Education Authority is not allowed to discriminate against disabled pupils.
Mediation is provided by Resolve in the Western Isles. It is a non judgemental voluntary process which seems to resolve misunderstandings in the early stages to prevent them escalating. Parents also have the right to have an advocate present at Mediation and this is available through Advocacy Western Isles.
Parents should also be aware of the following organisations which provide advice and further information.
¨ Children in Scotland: Working for Children and their Families, trading as Enquire – a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SC003527.
¨ Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SCO33576
¨ Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number SCO12741
Further information locally can be obtained from the School or Area Principal Teacher of Learning Support.
The Principal Teacher for Learning Support for Area 3/4 is:
Mrs Anne Wilson
Achmore Old School
Achmore
Isle of Lewis
TEL:01851 822 696
