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Draft guidance documents will be finalised shortly, therefore it is best to download the document as required directly from this website to ensure that you have the most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

Appendices for Secondary Schools Guidance can be found here

Promoting and Managing Pupil Attendance in Nursery, Primary and Special Schools Guidance

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

Emotionally Based School Absence, Information for Schools and Professionals

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

Pupil Support Worker (Complex Needs) Practice Guidance

Pupil Support Worker (Complex Needs) Induction Checklist

 

Information on Complex Needs Provision placements and outreach support

Please refer to ALDO  or contact the Inclusion, Equity and Wellbeing Team

Enhanced Provision

Enhanced Provision Support in Primary School Guidance 

Enhanced Provision Request Form

Information on Enhanced Provision Support with Primary Schools and Outreach support Please refer to ALDO  or contact the Inclusion, Equity and Wellbeing Team
Enhanced Provision Outreach (Primary)

Enhanced Provision Outreach Practitioner Practice Guidance

Enhanced Provision Outreach Practitioner Induction checklists

Pupil Wellbeing Worker (Primary) Practice Guidance

Pupil Wellbeing Worker (Primary) Induction Checklist

   
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
Improved Disabled Access (IDA) Improved Disabled Access (IDA) Application Form    
Inclusion in Aberdeenshire Schools

Our Universal Offer to Children and Young People Parent Leaflet

   
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.  

 

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

Additional Support Needs Mediation

Aberdeenshire – ASN Mediation

 

Aberdeenshire SACRO – ASN Mediation Leaflet

Information on Additional Support Needs Mediation and how to request this.

ASN mediation may be accessed through a request to the Head Teacher of the school attended by the child or young person or to the school’s Quality Improvement Officer.  A request can also be made to the local authority by directly contacting the Principal Educational Psychologist / Service Manager (Inclusion, Equity & Wellbeing)  via ecs.asnadmin@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

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
Pupil Wellbeing Worker (Secondary)

Pupil Wellbeing Worker (Secondary) Practice Guidance

Pupil Wellbeing Worker (Secondary) Induction Checklist

   
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

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