Many children can be fully supported without the need for a specific diagnosis. While understanding of support needs can be enhanced by diagnosis, support is provided according to need and not diagnosis. When a parent first comes to us with concerns about their child’s development, seeking strategies that make a difference and offering family support is always the focus of discussion, at least to begin with. Conversations about assessment and potential diagnosis always come later and these conversations happen at the pace that is right for the family and there child.

There are a range of other agencies we can work with to fully understand and support our pupil’s learning, wellbeing and developmental needs – Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology Service as well as the neurodevelopment team. We sometimes consult with these agencies on a no names basis to get general advice but we sometimes request assistance for a specific child. This would always be done through consultation with parents.

Parents who have concerns about their child’s speech or language development should discuss it with us at school but you can also seek help from the NHS Speech and Language Team. You can call this advice line:

Click here for full details of Fife NHS Speech and Language Team.

Parents who have concerns about their child’s physical development or sensory issues should discuss it with us at school but you can also seek help from Fife NHS’s Occupational Therapy Service. Click here for full details.

Parents who have other concerns about their child’s development, learning or wellbeing should discuss it with us in school but you can also seek advice from Fife Council’s Educational Psychology Service. Click here for full details.

There are lots of supports available for families where a child’s development is not typical. Click here for more information. 

As part of our child protection and safeguarding role, we work with Fife Council Social Workers when needed. It is very unusual that we would contact Social Work without informing a parent first but occasionally we do have to do this in line with child protection protocols, for example if there is a disclosure or concern that a child may be at risk at home. Under all other circumstances, we would only refer a child or family to a partner agency, including Social Work, following discussion with the parent.

Sometimes medical staff from NHS come into school to carry out checks or offer treatment e.g. dental checks, height/weight checks and flu vaccines. This NEVER happens without parents being informed. In the case of checks, you have the option to opt out. In the case of treatment (including tooth brushing in nursery) your child will only be included with your specific consent.