Education Support Services - Policies and Procedures

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The Continuum of Support" is West Lothian's framework for supporting all learners to engage in education.

Everyone involved in the education of West Lothian's children and young people is working towards an excellence and equity for every learner.

Due to the changing landscape in education those learners with additional support needs are enabled to thrive as part of their class, their school and their wider community. We continue to make sure that all of our children and young people feel included and can participate and achieve to their full potential.

Our inclusive approach affords all children and young people the opportunity to be a part of a community, boosting their emotional wellbeing and aiding the development of social skills. This approach celebrates diversity and allows all children and young people to develop an understanding and recognition of differences. This contributes to the West Lothian vision of the development of inclusive, empathetic communities and directly relates to the Corporate Priorities for the council Education Services Continuum of Support (PDF, 486 KB)(opens new window).

For all children / young people at Stage 3 of the Continuum of Support, consideration of assessment for a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) should be undertaken. The assessment for a CSP will be completed in collaboration with all those supporting the child / young person and will always involve the parent / carer.

A CSP is an education plan prepared by local authorities for certain children, and young people (school pupils aged 16 - 18 years), who have additional support needs. The plan outlines:  

• the child's additional support needs

• educational objectives that have been set for them to achieve

• the support they need to meet these objectives  

Every child has the right to an education which must develop their personality, talents and abilities to the full.  Parents are legally responsible for providing education for their child.  Most parents send their child to school but it is permissible to educate your child at home.  Home education is a parental choice.. Home Education Policy (PDF, 73 KB)(opens new window)

West Lothian Education Support Services, in partnership with Social Policy, Health, and Third Sector colleagues, are committed to identifying and meeting the needs of our care experienced children and young people. West Lothian's Corporate Parenting Plan outlines five key priorities for meeting the needs of care experienced children and young people, including:

• improving the quality of our care and care planning; 
• improving health and wellbeing; supporting learning and raising attainment;
• supporting employment, training, and positive destinations post-school; and
• providing quality through, continuing, and after care

The Education Support Services policy for Looked After Children provides detailed information regarding process and procedures relating to the support of care experienced children and young people within West Lothian educational establishments. Education Services Policy for Looked After Children (PDF, 637 KB)(opens new window)

Effective communication is key to maintaining positive relationships with parents and partner agencies. Resolution Mediation Scotland offers mediation support services to families with children who have additional learning needs and who are engaged in the tribunal process over additional support needs provisions.

The Additional Support Needs Tribunal hears appeals from parents and young people against decisions made by education authorities regarding the provision of educational support. Further information on the tribunal process is available on the following link:Dispute Resolution Policy (opens new window)

Good attendance and engagement at school can be linked to higher levels of participation, attainment and ultimately future opportunities. The impact of non-attendance and non-engagement significantly increases gaps in knowledge and understanding and the likelihood of young people leaving school without securing a positive destination.

West Lothian Council is committed to working with parents, children and other stakeholders to ensure that, wherever possible, all children enrolled at its schools receive an education that maximises the opportunity for every child to achieve their full potential. Attendance and Engagement at School _ Policy and Operational Procedures _ June 2022 (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window)

The management of Pupils with Healthcre Needs Policy provides procedures to assist schools in meeting the healthcare needs of pupils. By working in partnership with parents, pupils and health professionals, schools will be able to support pupils who have healthcare needs in a safe, efficient and secure environment.

Wherever possible, children and young people should be empowered and supported to manage their own healthcare needs and work in collaboration with health professionals, school staff, and their parents, to reach an understanding about how their health affects them and their healthcare needs will be met. Procedures for the Management of Pupils with Healthcare Needs