Support for Pupils

Some examples of why a child/young person may require extra help with their education are:

• bereavement or family illness

• problems at home

• bullying

• being particularly gifted or able

• an illness, disability or sensory impairment

• having English as an additional language

A child's/young person's needs may last for a short time, and the problem may be resolved easily, or their needs might be very complex, and they may require additional support for a number of years. We work closely with our partner agencies to support children with ASN and their families.

We are committed to working positively with parents, carers, nurseries, and partnership agencies to:

• provide high quality support for children with ASN

• reduce barriers to learning

• maximise achievement

Midlothian Council’s educational support services include:

• pre-school support service

• autistic spectrum disorders

• hearing impairment

• English as an additional language

• gypsy travellers

• young children with more complex additional support needs

• social, emotional and behavioural support needs

The Education Psychology Service (EPS) has an advisory role within the council, and supports children  and young people, their families and their carers, school staff and others working with children and young people.

If you feel that your child needs additional support for learning, the first person to speak to is your child’s teacher. They will then seek advice from our Support for Learning teachers to look at the best way to support your child. 

We operate a model of staged intervention where support is provided in varied ways to meet individual needs. Our approach to assessment ensures that the needs of children and young people are recognised, and appropriate support can be provided.

Parents/carers are always involved in making decisions about their child’s education and we will always ask your permission before any specific referrals are made. While your child is receiving support, we will regularly review your child’s progress.

Where appropriate, we may invite you to attend a Learner’s Planning Meeting, where we can work together to ensure that the correct supports are in place for your child. We will look at your child’s strengths, areas of concerns and what strategies have been used. We use the ‘My World Triangle’ to help capture the views of children in their support plan. The Wellbeing Wheel is also used to ensure that we are following the key principles of Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC).

Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is the national approach to reforming children’s services to improve outcomes for all children and young people. It overarches all other policies for children, young people and families. GIRFEC is important for everyone who works with children, young people and families, as well as those who work with adults who look after children. It provides the strategic policy framework supporting other key policies and guidance, including Curriculum for Excellence.