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. If you require further information, you can contact:
- Jennifer Wilson, Headteacher Supporting Learners' Service (Central & West Area) Tel: 03451 55 55 55 + Ext 44 19 91
- Jennifer Allan, Headteacher Supporting Learners' Service (East & West Area)
Tel: 03451 55 55 55 + Ext 44 21 26
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:
- their website – www.enquire.org.uk
- a telephone helpline – 0345 123 2303
- an email enquiry service – info@enquire.org.uk
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’.