Additional Support Needs

The organisation and administration of Pupil Support is shared with the Support for Learning team under the direction of Mrs Newton, Principal Teacher of Inclusion.

The integration of pupils with additional support needs into the life and work of the school lies at the core of KHS philosophy. The Support for Learning department aims to:

• identify pupils with additional support needs from S1 to S6
• assess pupil needs and devise, implement, monitor and evaluate support programmes to meet these needs.  Work collaboratively with departments to share this information
• advise on resources and on learning and teaching styles
• maintain effective liaison with external agencies
• involve parents/carers in the process of meeting the needs of their young person

The Support for Learning team of teachers and support assistants are committed to enhancing the learning experience of all pupils and take special note of those pupils who have been recognised as having additional support needs. We work collaboratively alongside class teachers to ensure young people are understood and therefore supported at the universal level.

Good practice at primary transition ensures many pupils with additional needs are known before moving to Kinross High School. Some further identification takes place through screening tests, teacher referral and assessment from outside agencies e.g. CAMHS. Pupils in need of additional interventions are supported in three ways: individually, in class or in a targeted group. Diagnostic assessment is used to devise intervention strategies for the pupil, their family and teachers.

The department also co-ordinates SQA arrangements for pupils with additional support needs.

Personal development or vocational courses such as a life skills course are available for some pupils who are not taking the full complement of S3/4 courses. Self-esteem courses help pupils who are lacking in confidence or exhibiting challenging behaviour.