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ABOUT US
Supporting learners in our schools since 1996.
Support by Assistive Media
Where a pupil is experiencing sustained difficulties in understanding or in accessing learning and it is considered that there is a role for assistive technology in amelioration of these, then referrals can be made to the SAM Group. Referrals are set at Stage 2 Interventions (GIRFEC). Each ASN ICT Support teacher has an assigned caseload of schools within a locality. There are three localities: North / Central / South.
SAM Staff Allocation
North Locality—- Christopher Graham & Gillian Lyall (Temporary until June 2020)
Central Locality– Christopher Graham & Gillian Lyall
South Locality —-Owen Dunn
Secondary Sector Phil Reilly
A GIRF-Me plan which contains a Request for Assistance element from the SAM Team might require direct teaching to a named pupil in conjunction with in-school training for staff to enable them to use the assistive technologies. The SAM teacher’s role here is to (1) demonstrate how this resource can be incorporated into ‘routine’ teaching and learning practice and to (2) ensure the pupil is able to use it effectively.
The authority have planned for the uptake of assistive technologies in response to guidance on how education authorities and schools can meet statutory obligations to improve access to education as required under the Equality Act and the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002 and in line with the Scottish Government’s published Statutory Guidance (October 2014) on planning improvements for disabled pupils’ access to education.
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WHAT WE DO
Aspects of Support
Referrals
Support around the child
The SAM team responds to Stage 2 RfA (GIRF-Me) requests from schools. This can involve working with an identified pupil, school staff and parents in the use of ASN software / specialist equipment.
CPD
Supporting school self improvement
The SAM Group delivers CSP opportunities with an ASN focus. These are usually morning or afternoon sessions and take place within the Computer Centre at Caldervale High School. This may also involve working in conjunction with other service providers or partners who support a child (if appropriate to the task). Additionally there are many instances of ad hoc in-school request sessions which are usually delivered to staff groups in Collegiate Time or on Inservice Days. See below for current courses.
Resources
Raising awareness of interventions
The focus of computer assisted learning is simply to give equal opportunity to learning for all ASN pupils. We use a range of literacy and numeracy programs to develop learning and provide access to the curriculum. New resources are evaluated to explore their impact on specific areas of learning.
Multiagency
Getting It Right For Every Child
The Sam Team collaborates with:
NHS Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Paediatric Occupational Therapy
NLC Sensory Support Staff / Early Years Staff (Transitions)/ EAL Support Staff / Psychological Services / Inclusion Managers
External Agencies: Software Manufacturers / Providers, CALL Scotland University of Edinburgh NHS Lanarkshire AAC, ATLAS, Education Scotland.
