Pitlessie Primary School

Fife Council logo

Pitlessie Primary School Handbook 2024

Information for Parents/Carers

kids with backpacks drawing

Pitlessie Primary School, Ladybank Road, Pitlessie, Cupar, Fife, KY15 7SP

Contact Details


Welcome Introduction

Dear Parent/Carer

At Pitlessie Primary School we aim to foster an ethos of high expectation and achievement where success is celebrated. Each child is encouraged to take responsibility for, and is included in making decisions about their learning.

We realise that in order to achieve this we need to work closely with you, the parents, to ensure we meet the individual needs of your child.

This booklet is provided to enable you to become familiar with our aims, methods and organisation. I hope it proves helpful to you and will answer any questions you may have.

Should you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to call in at the school, we will be glad to help.

Yours sincerely

Lesley O'Brien
Headteacher


School Ethos

Our school boasts a happy family atmosphere, which helps in the growth and development of the children in their first seven years of school life. If your children are happy to come to school, then learning is much easier. Through this environment we want to produce happy, responsible, caring children, encouraging self-respect for others, self-discipline and independence.

Vision

  • Respect
  • Friendship
  • Kindness
  • Helpfulness
  • Inclusion (letting everyone join in)
  • Effort (trying our best)
  • Honesty

We aim to work with all stakeholders to create a safe, secure learning environment with an ethos of high expectation. We will work to continually improve the delivery of exciting, high-quality learning experiences for all our pupils and aim to enable our children to succeed fully, as confident, independent and responsible individuals. We will foster an enthusiasm for learning, so that our children are inspired to be lifelong learners and so contribute to the wider community in which they live.

Aims

To attain the fullest development of individual capacity, not only intellectually but also physically and socially.

To develop social awareness and satisfactory interpersonal relationships encouraging self-respect, respect of others, self-discipline and independence.

To foster an enquiring attitude and respect for evidence.

To develop and maintain active partnerships between teachers and pupils, school and home and school and the wider community.

To ensure the quality of opportunity for all pupils regardless of race, gender, spiritual belief or disability.

We are committed to recognising pupil's good behaviour and achievements. All pupils belong to a House and collect House Points. Achievements in and out of school are regularly celebrated at assembly.

We have strong links with the local community. The Minister of the parish church regularly visits the school to deliver assemblies for the whole school. We regularly invite members of the community as well as parents into school for special events and performances.


About the School

School roll16 pupils

Pitlessie School serves the villages of Pitlessie and Jeaniestown and the outlying farmland of Cults Mill, Cults Hill and Clatto Barns. Several children also attend from farms outside the catchment area, but traditionally this is the local school. The school consists of a stone building dating from 1860 and extensions from 1911, 1960 and 1996. There is a wall and fenced playground front and back, and a walled garden. We are able to make use of the Village Hall for physical education, drama activities, school concerts and productions.

There is limited disabled access to the building itself, but once inside there is no access to facilities

Attending School

Daily Timetable

Morning session: 9.00 a.m. - 10.40 a.m. 11.00 a.m. - 12.40 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1.20 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.


School Uniform

We encourage our pupils to wear our uniform of red sweatshirts, red cardigan, white or red polo shirts and grey or black trousers or skirts.

Our supplier is School Trends and parents are invited to place any order online. This system is available at any time throughout the year. The website address is as follows:- www.schooltrends.co.uk

Parents are asked to ensure that Pitlessie Primary School is selected as items with the school logo will then be available for them to purchase. A small
number of items of uniform are kept in stock at the school. A size guide brochure is available in school if required. Please contact the school office if you require any assistance.


School Holidays, Term, and Closure Dates

The academic year 2024-25

Holiday description Start date End date Add to your calendar
Autumn - lasting 12 days Mon 7 Oct 2024 Fri 18 Oct 2024
Christmas - lasting 12 days Mon 23 Dec 2024 Fri 3 Jan 2025
Additional - lasting 2 days Thu 13 Feb 2025 Fri 14 Feb 2025
Spring - lasting 12 days Mon 7 Apr 2025 Fri 18 Apr 2025
Additional - lasting 1 day Mon 5 May 2025 Mon 5 May 2025
Additional - lasting 1 day Mon 2 Jun 2025 Mon 2 Jun 2025
Summer - lasting 43 days Fri 4 Jul 2025 Fri 15 Aug 2025
Holiday description Start date End date Add to your calendar
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Fri 15 Nov 2024 Fri 15 Nov 2024
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Wed 12 Feb 2025 Wed 12 Feb 2025
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Tue 3 Jun 2025 Tue 3 Jun 2025
Term description Start date End date Add to your calendar
Winter - lasting 61 days Mon 21 Oct 2024 Fri 20 Dec 2024
Spring - lasting 89 days Mon 6 Jan 2025 Fri 4 Apr 2025
Summer - lasting 74 days Mon 21 Apr 2025 Thu 3 Jul 2025

The academic year 2025-26

Holiday description Start date End date Add to your calendar
Autumn - lasting 12 days Mon 13 Oct 2025 Fri 24 Oct 2025
Christmas - lasting 12 days Mon 22 Dec 2025 Fri 2 Jan 2026
Additional - lasting 2 days Thu 12 Feb 2026 Fri 13 Feb 2026
Spring - lasting 15 days Fri 3 Apr 2026 Fri 17 Apr 2026
Additional - lasting 1 day Mon 4 May 2026 Mon 4 May 2026
Additional - lasting 1 day Mon 1 Jun 2026 Mon 1 Jun 2026
Summer - lasting 44 days Mon 6 Jul 2026 Tue 18 Aug 2026
Holiday description Start date End date Add to your calendar
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Mon 18 Aug 2025 Mon 18 Aug 2025
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Tue 19 Aug 2025 Tue 19 Aug 2025
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Fri 14 Nov 2025 Fri 14 Nov 2025
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Wed 11 Feb 2026 Wed 11 Feb 2026
School in-service day - lasting 1 day Thu 7 May 2026 Thu 7 May 2026
Term description Start date End date Add to your calendar
Autumn - lasting 52 days Wed 20 Aug 2025 Fri 10 Oct 2025
Winter - lasting 54 days Mon 27 Oct 2025 Fri 19 Dec 2025
Spring - lasting 88 days Mon 5 Jan 2026 Thu 2 Apr 2026
Summer - lasting 75 days Mon 20 Apr 2026 Fri 3 Jul 2026

Applying for a school place

The online application process for enrolling a child in August 2024 has now closed. If you wish to submit an application for your child to start Primary one in August 2024, please contact your catchment school directly.

Parents and carers enrolling their child(ren)in any stage of primary school should contact their catchment school directly.

As part of the enrolment process, parents/carers will also be required to upload photos of verification documents in support of the application. These are:

  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate. You can also order a birth certificate on our Order a Certificate page.
  • Council Tax notification letter - If you don't have a paper bill, you can download a copy of your council tax bill from within your online account. You will find a link to the Online Account on our Council Tax page. The council tax notification letter must be your most recent bill, issued for 2023/24.
  • Evidence of current address - a gas/electric bill, driving licence, phone bill, or benefits letter to confirm your child lives within the catchment area. These documents must not be more than 6 months old. If you receive e-billing for your utilities, you can upload these files as documents instead of printing or taking photos of them.
  • Medical assessment (if applicable)

In normal circumstances, all pupils applying for a place at their catchment school will be guaranteed a place. However, if there is an over-subscription of pupils for the number of P1 places available, the school will get back in touch with these parents.

To find out which school is your catchment primary school, please use our catchment checker and contact the school directly. A list of primary schools can be found on our Primary schools page. For further information and support, please email education.services@fife.gov.uk.

For more information about choosing a school, the Scottish Government has produced a publication called 'Choosing a School' This provides guidance for parents on the placing request system.

School meals

pop art fruit and vegetables

At our Primary schools we offer two weekly menus that are available on alternating weeks. These menus have been designed to provide nutritious choices that ensure a balanced diet over the week, providing at least one third of the daily nutritional requirements of pupils.

Primary One to Five - save over £475 a year!

All children in Primary One to Primary Five are entitled to a Free School Meal.  Children in Primary Six and Seven that are not eligible for the Free School Meal Entitlement program can also enjoy the same Two Course Meal choices for just £2.50 per day.

Pupils can have soup or dessert with the main meal as part of a two course lunch, this also includes a drink of either milk or water. They are also entitled to a piece of fresh fruit.

For our main meal options we always have a vegetarian option and plated salad or filled roll/sandwich options with a choice of fillings. (V - Vegetarian, Ve - Vegan).

Visit our Online school payments page for more information on how to order your meals. We use a secure online payment system called iPayimpact which offers parents/carers a convenient and flexible way to order and pay for a range of school services.

Primary Menu Week 1 - August 2024 to July 2025

Primary Menu Week 2 - August 2024 to July 2025

Special Diets

Should your child have a specific dietary requirement e.g. a specific food that they cannot eat for health or religious reasons, please complete the online Specific Dietary Requirement Form. The school cook and manager will arrange to meet with you to discuss how best to fulfil your child’s needs.

If your child prefers a vegetarian diet there is a selection of suitable dishes on the menu every day and you don’t need to complete a Specific Dietary form.

Fife school meals do not use any ingredients containing nuts, but some products may be made in a non-nut-free environment. You can check the recipes online.

Useful documents

Discover a career in catering

Looking for a job with flexibility during school hours? We're hiring ! Come and work with us in our Catering team. Just click on this link which will take you to the vacancies we have across Fife

Apply now 

Free school meals and clothing grants

Is the cost of living crisis affecting you?

Make sure you’re getting the help you're entitled to.

Visit our site 

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income. The school clothing grant is £130 per child for primary school pupils and £160 per child for high school pupils.

To qualify for free school meals and a school clothing grant you must receive one of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
  • Child Tax Credit only with annual income below £19,995
  • Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit with annual income up to £9,552
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
  • Universal Credit, with monthly earned income of not more than £796
  • Long Term Incapacity Benefit  (school clothing grant only)
  • Widows Allowance -  if not in full-time employment (school clothing grant only)
  • Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit with annual income below £19,995 (school clothing grant only)
  • Universal Credit, with monthly earned income of not more than £1,666 (school clothing grant only)

You can also receive free school meals and clothing grant if you care for a child as part of a kinship care agreement.

All children in primary 1-5 can receive a free school meal without an application however, you must still apply to receive free school milk and a school clothing grant.

During the October Holidays

Parents and carers of children who receive Free School Meals based on benefit entitlement will get a payment of £24.00 per child (£2.40 per day) for the October holidays. There is no need to apply for this payment, it will be made into your bank account on Wednesday 9th October.

Scottish Child Payment

Scottish Child Payment applications are now open for children aged 6 – 15.

It is important that you make your application as soon as possible. If you already receive Scottish Child Payment for a child under 6 but you have older children you must contact Social Security Scotland to let them know.

You can apply online at www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment which should take around 10 to 20 minutes in total. Before applying, you'll need:

  • the dates of birth of any children you have
  • your partner's details, if you have a partner
  • your bank details, if you have an account

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Please be aware that lines may be busy, due to the number of children and families who are newly eligible for this benefit, therefore it may take longer than normal for calls to be answered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information on managing your benefits, living on a budget or help to find work, please see our Benefits Section.

Curriculum

Fife schools follow Curriculum for Excellence, a national framework which is providing our children with learning experiences and opportunities to prepare them for learning, life and work in a changing world. Children learn actively in eight different curricular areas following a curriculum designed by each school to reflect their particular needs and circumstances.

All schools follow the same principles in designing the curriculum, aimed at ensuring that children have the experiences and opportunities to become:

  • Successful Learners
  • Confident Individuals
  • Effective Contributors
  • Responsible Citizens

Literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing are addressed throughout the curriculum and children's wider achievements are fully recognised and celebrated, reflecting the value given to wider learning and children’s experiences out of school.

Children are fully consulted throughout their learning and in decisions about what they learn and how they learn it. There are opportunities throughout the school year for parents to receive information and be consulted upon the curriculum children are following, particularly in relation to more sensitive aspects of learning.

Religious and moral education is a core subject for all pupils attending primary and secondary schools in Scotland. Schools also provide opportunities for religious observance in order to promote the spiritual development of the school community. Parents can choose to withdraw their children from participation in religious education or religious observance. Parents wishing to do this should contact the headteacher. The school will make arrangements for pupils to participate in a suitable alternative activity.

Further information about the curriculum is available on the school website, and more general information regarding Curriculum for Excellence can be found at Parentzone, a national resource developed by Education Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

During the school year a variety of After School Clubs run which children are encouraged to attend.

We encourage our pupils to be actively engaged in school life and children have the opportunity to be involved and express their opinions through a variety of forums; Parent Council (Infant, Junior and Senior) Eco group, charitable events, Open Afternoons for parents and carers.

School improvement

Our Standards and Quality Report and School Improvement Plan Priorities are shared with all stakeholders. Copies of these documents are available on school websites or at www.fife.gov.uk/schools-statutory-information.

Instrumental instruction

Children who show musical promise may qualify for instrumental instruction. The types of instrument offered by Fife Education and Children's Services are violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarsach, woodwind, brass, piano/keyboard, bass guitar, guitar, percussion, chanter and pipe band drumming. The type of instrument available differs from school to school and generally only one type will be available to children in a school.

More information about the music service is available at www.fife.gov.uk/musicservice

Please tell the Headteacher if you do not wish your child to be considered for instrumental instruction.

Assessment and reporting

Assessment is a vital part of learning and teaching at all stages of a learners’ education journey through the Broad General Education (BGE) Nursery to S3 and in the Senior Phase S4-S6. It should be an ongoing process and involve the learner making decisions about their next steps. This takes two forms, assessment that happens at the end of a block of learning that checks how much a child has understood (summative) and assessment that is continuous (formative).

Summative Assessment

This is used to check how successful the learner has been at the transferring skills taught across all areas of the curriculum. It is one way of gathering evidence for reporting to parents or measuring learners progress and achievement. This supports the teacher to make professional judgements about a learners’ progress when used alongside evidence gathered from formative assessment. Standardised assessments are also used when appropriate to gather evidence on their progress in comparison to a cross section of children of a similar age.

Formative Assessment

This supports our learners to know what they are learning, how they will recognise if the learning has taken place and what steps they can take to bridge the gap between what they know and need to learn by this process. Teachers are skilled in using a variety of techniques to formatively assess their learners progress and take this into consideration when making professional judgements about successes and next steps for each learner.

Assessment evidence allows teaching staff to track the progress learners are making and to adapt their practice appropriately. This assessment evidence is then used to support learners who require additional support for learning or for those who require additional challenge in learning. It is important that evidence gathered through assessment be used to improve learning and teaching in our school. We are committed to involving learners and their parents in learning and to report on progress they are making.

In the Senior Phase (S4 – 6) continuous assessment is supplemented by formal examinations, at some levels, and practical tests/investigations. Much of the work of National Qualification courses is internally assessed by the school itself and forms part of the final award. In addition to Unit Assessments for National Qualifications, Preliminary Examinations take place in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. These give all learners the chance to practice sitting a formal examination which matches the ‘real thing’ closely and it also gives them a formal diet of examinations which mirror the experience of final exams in April to June each year.

Reporting

It is very important to keep you informed of your child’s progress at school. This allows you to have an understanding of your child’s strengths and next steps in learning. Reporting takes many forms and is used to both give feedback on achievements and next steps and to create an agenda for discussion between learners and their peers, their teacher and with parents at formal parent meetings. When reporting on a learners’ progress this should be positive, specific, supportive and give a clear overview of learning progress. Feedback will be provided for parents at parents’ meetings and in formal written reports. Formal written reports will be based on the various ways in which we report formally and informally throughout the school year. Reports provide an overall summary of progress, achievements and next steps in learning in line with Curriculum for Excellence.

Schools formally report to parents through our Parent Teacher interviews twice a year. A written report is provided in June each year.

Feedback

Pupils will receive feedback from their teachers in a number of ways. Teachers and pupils will engage in learning conversations on a daily basis as they discuss experiences and achievements. Pupils may also receive feedback in the form of written comment in their jotters from their teacher and/or from peers. Feedback will be constructive, telling the pupil what they have done well and what they should do next to continue improvement. We encourage pupils to take note of feedback and to act on it.

Health care

Should your child be taking medicine or have a medical condition which might affect his/her school life, it is essential that you notify the school of the condition and its implications. This information will be treated in strictest confidence to ensure the wellbeing of your child. Where necessary an Education Health Care Plan will be developed for your child in consultation with you and relevant health services.

Should your child become ill or have an accident while at school that requires medical attention, we shall:

  • try to contact you by telephone, if this is possible, or arrange for a message to be sent to you.
  • telephone the health service, if necessary, and arrange for your child to be taken by you or someone else nominated by you for medical attention.

From time to time children are offered a medical examination or review by the schools Community Paediatrician or School Nurse from the School Health Service. These can be either routine examinations carried out for all children, or where a health concern has been identified. As parent/carer you will be notified in good time so that you may be present if possible.

School Nursing Service

Each school has access to the school nursing service. If you wish to contact your School Nurse please speak to your school.

School Based Immunisation Programmes

All pupils will be offered to participate in The Scottish School Based Immunisation Programme that is led by Fife Health & Social Care Partnership in partnership with education.

Parents will be notified and invited to participate by the Centralised Immunisation Team when the age appropriate immunisation programme is to take place within their child’s school.

Child protection and safeguarding

Child Protection is everyone’s job and everyone’s responsibility

At all times we keep the child/young person’s best interests at the centre of any required actions or planning, and in almost all cases liaise closely with family.

Staff know to alert the Child Protection Coordinator(s) in the school immediately should they have a Child Protection Concern.

When the Child Protection Coordinator(s) are made aware of a concern we do the following in most instances.

1. Talk to the child/young person.

This is usually our first step. The discussion is conducted sensitively to the child/young person, making it clear that any information they share is confidential unless they or someone they know may be in danger.

We take the child/young person’s views into consideration in planning next steps and include them in any subsequent planning to keep them safe. If we have to share information with other agencies we will discuss this with the child/young person wherever possible.

The child/young person is offered a quiet, safe environment if they are upset for as long as needed.

2. Contact the child/young person’s family.

In almost all situations we include the child/young person’s family early in order to support the child/young person so long as they are not part of the concern. In most instances a family member comes to school to support the child/young person if they are distressed.

3. Consider action & update appropriate agencies (Health Team etc).

The child/young person’s guidance teacher is usually informed at this point and we look at appropriate supports for the young person and their family. This is done in conjunction with the child/young person and family.

Any safety planning or plans will include the child/young person’s opinions and is monitored closely.

4. Record the concern.

We record the concern securely including the action we take and any monitoring required. The record is kept securely with access limited to the Child Protection Coordinator, Head Teacher and the child/young person’s guidance teacher.

5. Plan and monitor over time.

The Child Protection Coordinator/guidance teacher will keep in close contact with the child/young person and manage any supports they require over time.

The Child Protection Coordinator will in almost all instances stay in close contact with the child/young person’s family and plan jointly with them to identify supports.

6. In the event of a child/young person being in immediate danger, we contact the Public Protection Unit to liaise with Police and Social Work.

Parents/carers are always contacted unless doing so may put the young person at greater risk.


Worried about a child?

If you see behaviour that is of concern, or if a child/young person tells you something worrying, you need to do something about it and speak to someone.

You can speak to a teacher, health visitor, social worker or police officer.

However, if you think a child/young person has been harmed, telephone the Social Work Contact Centre on 03451 55 15 03, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Out-with these hours, please call them on 03451 55 00 99.

You can call the police on telephone number 101, 24/7.

If you consider a child/young person to be in immediate danger, do not wait, call the Police on 999

What to say

Explain exactly what you have seen, heard or been told and what it was that concerned you.

If you can, keep a note of dates, injuries and the exact words used. These will help you give as much information as you can about the child/young person and their family/carer.

Let the person know if there are other things they should be aware of, for example, immediate risks for the child/young person or any other child/young person.

Will you need to give your name?

You can ask to remain anonymous but any information about you will be treated with care. Any details, including your name, will not be revealed unless the child/young person’s safety requires it. Even if you do not give your name, enquiries can still be made into the child/young person's care and welfare. Withholding your name may make it more difficult for those looking into these concerns.

What will happen to the child/young person and their family?

When you contact a professional about your concern, unless the child/young person is in immediate danger, they will make some initial enquiries before taking action. They will check whether the child/young person is known to them and what information is held. All information will be treated seriously and acted upon as appropriate. This may lead to immediate action or a more planned response.

Should you mind your own business?

Many people do not tell because they fear that:

  • the child/young person will be at further risk of harm
  • that nothing will be done
  • the child/young person would be taken away
  • the family may find out who reported them · telling may ruin family relationships. In reality, it is best for everyone that action is taken early to identify any abuse before it gets worse. Long-term abuse is much more likely to cause problems for a child/young person as they get older. Even if you think an incident is just a one off, other professional agencies may already have concerns about the child/young person.

In Scotland it is everyone’s job to make sure children are OK.

School Transport

School transport

Getting to school

Under your own steam

The healthiest and most fun way for children to get to school is by walking, cycling and scooting. Making more use of active travel options will improve their physical and mental health too.

By bus

Any primary school child who lives more than 1 mile from their catchment school is entitled to free school transport. Secondary pupils get free transport to their catchment school if they live more than two miles away.  See below for more details.

Drop off

If you are thinking about using a car to get to/from school remember that parking near schools is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. Look for alternative drop off points, away from the school, where you and your children can walk the remaining distance.

Free public transport

The Scottish Government launched a statutory national concessionary travel scheme on 31 January 2022. This means all children and young people, living in Scotland, are entitled to free bus travel, up to their 22nd birthday. This scheme allows children and young people to travel free on registered bus services, once they get a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). Details about the scheme and how to apply can be found at Young Persons' Free Bus Travel | Fife Council.

However, children and young people who already have a Council-issued, colour-coded, travel pass must continue to use this on school buses - not their NEC. They must show their Council-issued travel pass to the driver when they board the school bus, as evidence that their journey has already been paid for by the Council. This will give them priority over other pupils, who don't have Council issued bus passes but who may wish to travel on the same bus. They must also use the bus they have been allocated (as shown on their travel pass) to ensure the school buses are evenly loaded. Any child that chooses to use a different bus will have to present a valid NEC or pay a fare and could be refused if the bus is full.

A child that forgets or loses their travel pass can order a replacement, at no charge, from the school office. Temporary travel passes and single use travel vouchers will still be issued by school staff.

Transport entitlement

Approximately 13,000 pupils travel daily to school on transport arranged by Fife Council.

Our policy is to provide transport for:

  • primary school children who live more than one mile away, and
  • secondary school children who live more than two miles away from their catchment school.

You are only entitled to transport to your catchment school, if you are going to a different school through a placing request you may not be entitled to school transport.

You can check if you will get transport to school, by clicking on one of the four maps.

If you are entitled to travel on a school bus, you will be allocated a bus and issued with a travel pass. Lost or damaged passes should be reported to the school office. Pupils who do not live on a bus route may be entitled to travel by taxi or minibus for all or part of their journey.

All enquiries relating to school transport should be directed to the school office.

Bus service and timetable information can be found on the school website or by visiting Travel Fife

Related Publications

Contact

Emai: SchoolTravel.Enquiries@fife.gov.uk

Additional support for pupils

Additional Support for Learning Strategy

Our Education Service has an Additional Support for Learning Strategy which outlines priority tasks identified to help meet the needs of learners with additional support needs across all education establishments in Fife.

All children in Fife have the right to attend their local school. It's the role of the school to support all children, including those who may need additional support.

Supporting Learners' Service

Some children and young people need more support in school to help them to learn. Additional support may be needed for a short time or a longer period; a smaller number of pupils need additional support throughout their time at school. Additional support needs (ASN) can be present from birth or can occur at any point in a young person’s life and may arise for a number of reasons:

  • The learning environment
  • Family circumstances
  • Health and care needs
  • Social and emotional factors

The kind of additional support we give is wide and varied and depends on the individual child. The Supporting Learners’ Service can help schools to meet the needs of learners who have an ASN. The Supporting Learners’ Service is made up of multiple teams.

Additional Support Classes (ASCs) and special schools

For a few children with additional support needs it may be that the local school is not the best option for the child. The most appropriate schooling may be within an additional support needs class or a specialist school. Before a decision is made, we will work with families to ensure the best for their child.

Pupil Support Service

The Pupil Support Service is part of a multi-agency support team which help pupils who are experiencing significant challenges in their lives. We want to make sure education is available to these pupils, regardless of their personal circumstances. This includes supporting children for whom inclusion in school and their communities can be problematic.

We have well-developed procedures to identify, assess and respond to the additional support needs of pupils. We encourage both parents and the young person to be involved in any decisions. School staff work in close partnership with a range of other agencies to support children and young people.

We are proud of the quality of the support that we offer to pupils.

If you have concerns about your child’s progress or their additional support needs, please speak to the Headteacher in your child’s school.

You can also contact Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on additional support for learning through:

Enquire also provide a range of clear and easy-to-read guides and fact sheets explaining everything from ‘additional support in the early years’ to ‘what planning should take place for moving on from school’.

School Transport for children and young people with Additional Support Needs

Fife Council provides transport for approximately 1000 children and young people with additional support needs.

Transport is also provided for approximately 100 children and young people who are looked after and accommodated by Fife Council.

Transport Entitlement

Fife Council policy is to provide free transport for a primary aged child attending their catchment area school who lives more than one mile away and for a secondary aged child attending their catchment area school who lives more than two miles away.

The distance criteria apply to all children and young people including those with additional support needs.  However, children and young people who live within the distances set by Fife Council may be considered for free school transport.

Where the need for travel assistance is specifically identified as part of the multi-agency planning process a formal application will be submitted by the school.   All enquiries should be directed to the school office.

Travel assistance for children and young people who are looked after and accommodated is identified by their social worker and requested by submitting a formal application.  All enquiries should be directed to the social worker.

The type of transport provided will be based on the individual needs of the children and young people and Fife Council will always seek to provide the most appropriate, cost effective provision.

The transport for these children and young people is provided between the home address and the school.  Transport to other addresses and to accommodate respite care is not normally granted.

The parents / carers of children and young people who are entitled to travel assistance will receive information about the type of transport being provided including operator details.

Related Publications

Further information

Parental involvement

We pride ourselves on our good relationships between home and school and we wish to continue this good practice.

There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in the life of the school on an occasional or regular basis. We often ask parents to help us by accompanying classes on outings or by coming to special events.

Twice a year parents are invited into school to discuss their chid's progress. We also have occasional open afternoons for the parents to look at and discuss their child's work that they have undertaken.

School policies

For more information about Fife Education and Learning policies please go to www.fife.gov.uk/schools

All our school policies reflect Fife Council policy and are currently under review to ensure they reflect the good practice in the school. Information about policies are available on request.

There is an A-Z Booklet of Information for Parents which is issued to all parents on their child's enrolment and is available to prospective parents on request. This booklet contains information about the school routines and policies.

Data collection

Fife Council uses the information provided by you to support your child during the course of his/her nursery and school career. The information will be used to communicate with parents/carers and children for the purposes of progress monitoring, supporting learning, career guidance, parent council elections, in emergency situations and to pass on other relevant advice.

The benefits of data sharing

Sharing information between partner agencies ensures integrated service provision which provides a positive contribution to the safety and well-being of children and young adults

Data sharing helps protect children and young people from suffering harm, abuse or neglect; ensure children and young adults with additional needs get the services they require; enable pupils to achieve their academic potential and attain their goals; and plan future services

Further information on how we use your information can be found on Fife Council’s website www.fife.gov.uk/privacy/education

Devolved School Management Scheme

All local authorities have a Devolved School Management (DSM) Scheme which sets out local authorities’ financial processes for funding their schools. It outlines financial decisions that can be made in schools, including where the accountability and responsibility lies. Although the detail of the scheme varies across local authorities, all local authorities use the same national guidelines. Devolved School Management guidelines-April 2023