In Fife, the aim is for all children to attend their local school and to be successful there while recognising that some children may need additional support to assist them to do so. For some children with additional support needs, it may be agreed 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 special school. If you have concerns about your child’s progress or their additional support needs you should discuss these with the head teacher in your child’s school in the first instance.  Further information on Education can be found at www.fifedirect.org.uk/educationandlearning

 
 

Falkland House School  

www.falklandhouseschool.org.uk Falkland House School specialises in the education of boys who require additional learning support. As the first independent school in Scotland to be awarded Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society, it provides special integrated education to boys with ASD, as well as those with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome. Falkland House provides residential and day places to boys from early primary age through to 18 years old, taking referrals from all regions in Scotland and the UK. The school offers day, 39 week and 52 week placements to cater for as many different circumstances as possible.

Osborne House School

Osborne House School is a small independent school of around 24 pupils, aged 10 to 17. It caters for all pupils, including those with particular educational needs. Admission is by previous school reports and parent and child interview. The parents and child are welcome to attend the school for a day to get the feel of the school and meet the pupils before making a decision.

New Struan School

www.newstuanschool.org.uk New Struan School is an independent residential and day school for young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It caters for up to 42 pupils, aged 5 to 19. 

The New School

www.thenewschool.co.uk The New School is an independent residential school aimed at those young people, aged 11 to 19, who find mainstream education difficult to cope with. At The New School classes are small and support is available through therapies and key worker input.

 

Flexi- schooling and Home Education

Some parents may wish to consider flexi-schooling (part-time school attendance) or home education. Educating a child is a huge responsibility but parents have the right to choose to home educate. Some parents report that they have successfully educated their child through flexi-schooling or home education.  

www.enquire.org.uk This is a Scottish based advice service which supports parents if they feel a child or young person needs extra help to get the most from their learning and are unsure what to do. They have lots of practical advice and information about the education and additional support needs system in Scotland.  Enquire will explain how the system may relate to your situation and advise you on possible ways forward.

www.schoolhouse.org.uk Schoolhouse is a Scottish based charity and a source of independent information for parents, carers and young people who are starting out on the home education path families who may be thinking about educating their children outside the classroom, and those who just want to know more about how home education works. Autism specific information is available from The National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk/education:homeeducatingyourchild.

www.autismtoolbox.co.uk This is a valuable resource which has been developed to provide up-to-date information, from research and practical experience, which is easy to understand and apply in the classroom, playground and home. It is essential reading for teachers and parents who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder in school. 

learning@fife.ac.uk The Learning and Inclusion Team at Fife College can be contacted to discuss options and support available within Fife College to support the individual with ASD to

Growing Up and Moving On

Transition is a time when a son or daughter is growing up and becoming an adult. There are lots of things parents and the young person need to think about as they leave school. This could include decisions about:

  • college or training courses

  • local activities

  • job opportunities

  • new relationships

  • getting the right support

  • where to live.

Fife has implemented a Charter for Transition to  support young people with disabilities and mental health conditions as they move from school to adulthood. This charter has been developed so that young people and their families know the standard of care and support they can expect from the agencies, the public services and other organisations helping them. It helps young people and their families to be clear about what to expect and if services fall short of the standard, then the Charter is something that they can refer to, making sure that all agencies are accountable for their part in the transition arrangements. The Growing up and Moving On website provides a lot of useful information on Fife’s Charter for Transition and services and support for young people leaving Children’s Services. www.fifedirect.org.uk/movingon