Policies, Guidance and Strategies

Please refer to Part 4: Planning documentation for the Word versions of forms attached to the guidance documents below.

Draft guidance documents will be finalised shortly, therefore it is best to download the document as required directly from this website to ensure that you have the most current version.

All CLPL is now sourced through the ALDO website for training and online learning. Whilst the courses may change over time, this document gives an illustration of the CLPL that may be available. If you require training that is not listed, please contact the ASN Team at Woodhill House to discuss.

A – E

Subject	Document title	Content	Continuous Life Long Professional Learning
Aberdeenshire Framework for Pupils with Significant and Complex Needs	Aberdeenshire Framework for Pupils with Significant and Complex Needs Trackers Aberdeenshire Tracker of Early Level Incorporating Milestones and Benchmarks Aberdeenshire SQA National 1 and National 2 Tracker	Guidance, Progression Framework, and resources to support the Curriculum for children with significant and complex needs	Please refer to Community Resource Hubs, Principal Teachers Additional Support for Learning and the Inclusion, Equity and Wellbeing Team for any training needs
Absence due to prolonged ill health	Guidance on Education for Children and Young People Unable to Attend School Due to Prolonged Ill Health	Guidance on responsibilities, processes, support and legislation, including useful resources	Quality Improvement Offices will advise schools
Accessibility Strategy 2022-2024	Accessibility Strategy 2022-2024	Aberdeenshire Strategy to support the specific needs of pupils in any Educational establishment	Please refer to Accessibility Strategy document.
Administration of Medicines / Healthcare Needs	Supporting Children Managing Medicines Educational Establishments	The Aberdeenshire policy containing information to support healthcare and medical needs of pupils in any educational establishment	Training is provided by NHS Grampian specialist nurses for procedures such as administration of buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam, adrenaline (via Epipen), insulin, use of asthma inhalers etc.
Adopted, Looked After, Kinship Care	A Guide for Parents, Carers and Schools working with Children who are Adopted, Looked After in Foster Care or at home in Kinship Care	Information to support understanding of life experiences and attachment / attachment difficulties and the impact on children’s behaviours. Includes suggestions, hints and tips for creating a strong school and family partnership	Educational Psychology Service can support with training
Anti-Bullying	Aberdeenshire Anti-Bullying Policy: Bullying Prevention and Management for Educational Establishments March 2022 Aberdeenshire Anti-Bullying Guidance: Bullying Prevention and Management for Educational Establishments April 2024	Policy and guidance to support educational establishments on the prevention and management of bullying.	QIOs will advise schools and training is signposted in the documents.
Attendance	Promoting and Managing Pupil Attendance in Educational Establishments Policy, 2022 Promoting and Managing Pupil Attendance in Secondary School Guidance, 2022 Appendices for Secondary Schools Guidance can be found here Promoting and Managing Pupil Attendance in Nursery, Primary & Special School Guidance, 2022 Appendices for Nursery, Primary and Special Schools Guidance can be found here	The Policy and Guidance outline the procedures for Aberdeenshire educational establishments to follow when monitoring and managing pupil attendance, including the monitoring and promotion of attendance.	Quality Improvement Officers can provide support where required
Attendance	Emotionally Based School Avoidance Guidance for Schools Appendix 1 Profile of risk of emotional based school avoidance guidance Appendix 2 Intervention planning and implementation Appendix 3 West Sussex (2018) analysis template	Guidance which provides a framework to support planning for children and young people who experience emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)	Educational Psychology Service can advise and support schools
Understanding and Supporting Autistic Learners	Understanding & Supporting Autistic Learners School Self-Evaluation Tool A Professional Learning Framework for Education Staff	Information for supporting autistic learners, including A Professional Learning Framework and a Self Evaluation Tool for schools, and associated professional learning.	Universal level training on Understanding and Supporting Autistic Learners (available on ALDO). Further Understanding Sensory Behaviours modules are also available to staff on ALDO and other materials are under development. The Aberdeenshire Educational Psychology Service provides guidance, training and research information to schools. Autism Toolbox
Bereavement Guidance	Bereavement Guidance for Educational Establishments	Information on supporting staff and pupils through a bereavement	Quality Improvement Officers and the Educational Psychology service will advise school staff
Blended Placements	Blended Placements Guidance	Information regarding blended placements	Quality Improvement Officers will advise schools
Child’s Voice	My Voice Questionnaire	Information and links to a symbols supported questionnaire designed to capture the voice of the child in line with requirements under GIRFEC	Connection to the resource is available through the ASN Team
Co-ordinated Support Plans	Co-ordinated Support Plan Book 1 Overview	Information about co-ordinated support plans including the criteria, timelines and letters / CSP checklists and proformas etc.	Co-ordinated support plan training is organised annually by Aberdeenshire Council to include NHS Grampian staff and Aberdeenshire Social Work teams. Enrolment is through ALDO
	Co-ordinated Support Plan Book 2 Process Resources
	Co-ordinated Support Plan Book 3 Writing a CSP
Complex Needs Provision	Complex Needs Provision for Pupils with Significant and Complex Needs Guidance Complex Needs Provision Request Form	Information on Complex Needs Provision placements and outreach support	Please refer to ALDO or contact the Inclusion, Equity and Wellbeing Team
Exclusion	Promoting Inclusion and Reducing Exclusions in Educational Establishments Policy, 2022 Promoting Inclusion and Reducing Exclusions in Educational Establishments Guidance 2022 Appendices can be found here	The Policy and Guidance outline the procedures for Aberdeenshire educational establishments to follow to reduce the need for exclusion through the promotion of inclusion. The guidance defines clear protocols that schools must follow when considering, initiating and managing all aspects of the exclusion process.	Quality Improvement Officers can provide support where required

F – J

Subject	Document title	Content	Continuous Life Long Professional Learning
Aberdeenshire Guidance for Head Teachers for requests for a Flexi-Schooling Arrangement	Head Teacher Guidance Parental Requests for Flexi-Schooling	Guidance to support Head Teachers when there is a request for a flexi-schooling arrangement	Please seek further guidance from your Quality Improvement Officer
Support Learners from Gypsy/Traveller Communities	Support Learners from Gypsy/Traveller Communities	Learning about travelling communities in Scotland, Enrolment guidance, Leaving Guidance 1, Notes to support: Primary – Secondary Transition, Partnerships with Families, Leaving Guidance	Advice can be sought via Education Support Officers and the Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer
Intimate Personal Care	Intimate Personal Care Guidance for Schools, Parents, Children and Young People	Roles and responsibilities, partnership and collaboration, training, best practice and general procedures	Depending upon the nature of the care training is provided by NHS Grampian specialist nurses in procedures such as gastrostomy and catheterisation. Parents may also advise staff with simple procedures such as washing, dressing and toileting to ensure the child’s wishes are taken into account.
Literacy / Dyslexia	Guidelines to Support Literacy	Information for supporting children with literacy needs including dyslexia. Includes school and classroom audit tools.	Aberdeenshire Education and Children’s Services policy development in the field of Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulty has been advised by examples of good practice in Aberdeenshire schools, research undertaken by the Educational Psychology Service along with national guidance such as the “Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit” and “Making Sense: Education for Children and Young People with Dyslexia in Scotland”. Opportunities for training are also offered through ALDO and at a local level by school champions
	Dyslexia in the Classroom Toolkit
	The Whole School Dyslexia Tool
Horse riding	Horse Riding (RDA) Guidance	Information about obtaining access for pupils to horse riding as part of a more flexible curriculum to meet needs. Horse riding is provided by the Riding for the Disabled Association.	The RDA provide training to staff willing to become ‘lead reins and side walkers’ to assist with pupils accessing horse riding. Please contact the local RDA group for details.
Individualised Educational Programmes	Individualised Educational Programmes Guidance Supporting Documentation	Guidance for information gathering and writing of individualised educational programmes	IEP training is supported by Educational Psychology Service and the Inclusion Equity and Wellbeing Team
Insurance cover and PVG for private therapists	Insurance Cover and Protection of Vulnerable Groups	Information for head teachers/ SMT to consider in the event of a private therapist accessing a pupil in school. There is a need to ensure that the therapist has adequate insurance cover and is PVG checked. This does not apply to therapists from NHS Grampian as partner providers are insured/PVG checked.
Intervention and Prevention Teachers Guidelines	Intervention and Prevention Teachers Guidelines Appendix 1 – IPT Checklist for Induction Appendix 2 – IPT Referral Form	Line Management, Role and Responsibilities, Intervention and Prevention, Referral Process and Exit Strategy	Please refer to ALDO.

K – O

Subject	Document title	Content	Continuous Life Long Professional Learning
Learning Pathways Plus	Learning Pathways Plus Guidance Learning Pathway Plus Application Form Continuation of Learning Pathway Plus Application Form	Criteria and information for consideration of a learning pathway plus for pupils with multi agency involvement at stage 3+ level of intervention when all other interventions have been exhausted and there is a significant risk of the child or young person being placed in an out-of-authority school, out with their home community. Application forms for new Learning Pathway Plus and for Continuation of Learning Pathway Plus	Advice is available through the Quality Improvement Officer for the school. Applications are made to the Principal Educational Psychologist via learningpathwaysplus@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Management of Additional Support for Learning Teachers and Pupil Support Assistants	Local Management Group Guidelines	Guidance on the working of the Local Management Group with regards to staffing and budget allocation within clusters.	Quality Improvement Officers will advise schools
Motor Skills	Working Together to Support Motor Skills	supporting children with motor skills development, includes resources and referrals for specialist assessment and support.	Support may be offered by the Occupational Therapy Service for individual needs.
Moving and Handling	Pupil Moving and Handling in Schools Guidance Appendices Specialist Equipment Guidance	Legislation, definitions, responsibilities, risk assessments, planning documents, training and general information	Training is provided by Aberdeenshire Council Moving and Handling Trainers. Enrolment is through ALDO
Nature Nurture Practitioner Guidance	A Guide for Parents, Carers and Schools Appendices	Information on the Nature Nurture Practitioner Role	Inclusion Equality and Wellbeing Team
Non Engagement During School Closures	Head Teacher Guidance for Non Engagement During School Closures Head Teacher Guidance for Non Engagement During School Closures (Secondary Schools)	Guidance for Head Teachers to support a child or young person who is not engaging on online learning during school closures, and the parent or carer remains difficult to contact despite numerous and repeated efforts by school staff	Further advice can be sought from Quality Improvement Officer

P – T

	Document title	Content	Continuous Life Long Professional Learning
Part timetables	Pupils not in Full Time Education: Use of Part Timetables Guidance	Legislation, best practice, alternative provision, school and parent/carer responsibilities, Seemis recording	Quality Improvement Officers advise on the use of part-timetables.
Planning for a Pupil with ASN, PEEP and Risk Assessment Guidance	Planning for a Pupil with ASN, PEEP and Risk Assessment Guidance November 2023	Guidance to support Education staff in preparing for a child with ASN. The Guidance also offers advice on the completion of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and Risk Assessments	Advice can be sought from QIOs and the Inclusion, Equity and Wellbeing Team
Pupil Support Assistant’s Guidance	Pupil Support Assistants (PSA) Guidance	Information on working practices, roles and responsibilities	Training available through ALDO
Racism	Promoting Race Equality and Anti-racist Education	Information from the Scottish Government to promote race equality	Quality Improvement Officers will be able to advise
Reflective Toolkit for Enhanced Provision Centres	Reflective Toolkit for EPC	Guidance and Toolkit with questions	Please refer to the Educational Psychology Service
Relationships, Learning and Behaviour	Relationships Learning and Behaviour Interim Policy Relationships Learning and Behaviour Interim Guidance Click to see Appendices	Interim guidance on promoting a culture and ethos whereby everyone feels included, respected, safe and secure and where their achievements and contributions are valued and celebrated. It includes guidance on the use of physical intervention, including seclusion, as a last resort.	Training available through ALDO. Educational Psychology Service can support with training.
Repeating a Year Guidance	Repeating a Year Guidance	Information for Head Teachers on how to respond to Parental requests for their child to repeat a school year	Quality Improvement Officers and the Educational Psychology service will advise
Review Meetings	Guidance for Review Meetings for Children or Young People With Additional Support Needs	Guidance on the process including notification, invitation, recording and reporting	Quality Improvement Officers may advise schools.
Selective Mutism	Selective Mutism Practice Guidelines	Information to support teachers and parents to meet the needs of children with selective mutism.	The Educational Psychology Service can provide further information and support for staff working with children with selective mutism
Special Dietary Requirements	Supporting Children with Special Dietary Requirements	Guidance on the procedure for managing special dietary requirements in educational establishments. Dietary requirements may be a result of additional support needs such as ASD, food allergies/intolerance, religious/cultural requirements and/or medical needs.	Advice may be sought via the schools catering service.
SQA Alternative Assessment Arrangements	SQA Alternative Assessment Arrangements – Guidance for Aberdeenshire	Identification and provision for pupils with Additional Support Needs including EAL	Follow links to the SQA website and / or consult with the EAL service
Staged Intervention Model	Staged Intervention Model	Staged Intervention Support Level Guidance	Quality Improvement Officers and the Educational Psychology service will advise
Substance Use	Guidance for Managing Substance Use Incidents Involving Children and Young People In Aberdeenshire Educational Establishments	Guidance for School Staff to support Children and Young People	Quality Improvement Officers and the Inclusion Equity and Wellbeing Team will advise
Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools	Guidance for Scottish Schools Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment Quality Impact Assessment	National Guidance on supporting transgender young people in schools	Quality Improvement Officers and Educational Psychology service will advise.
Swimming	Swimming for Young People with Additional Support Needs	Guidance to schools/parents regarding access to swimming for children with additional support needs as part of a flexible curriculum.	Quality Improvement Officers advise schools
Transport of children/young people with Additional Support Needs	The Safe Transport of Children and Young People – Guidance for Schools and Escorts Resources	Information about the safe transport of children and young people with additional support needs to and from school. Responsibilities of escorts, parents and schools are detailed.	Advice and training can be sought via Education Support Officers, the Pupil Transport Unit and the Passenger Assistant Training Scheme Other training such as child protection is available through ALDO
	The Safe Transport of Children and Young People – Guidance for Parents and Carers
Total Communication	Total Communication Policy	The Aberdeenshire policy supporting the use of all forms of communication in schools, highlighting the child’s right to communication and including an audit tool for the classroom.	Training is available through ALDO. NHS Grampian offer face-to-face training through a variety of courses, and along with Aberdeenshire council provide online training for staff at different levels of intervention.

U – Z

Subject	Document title	Content	Continuous Life Long Professional Learning
School Response to Incidents Involving Offensive Weapons	School Response to Incidents Involving Offensive Weapons	Guidance for School to follow relating to incidents involving offensive weapons	Quality Improvement Officers will advise