Significant new facilities are set to transform additional support needs (ASN) education for children and their families across Perth and Kinross, following the approval of plans for Intensive Support Provision (ISP) units at two key schools. The Community School of Auchterarder and St John’s RC Academy in Perth will be equipped with these vital resources, marking a crucial step in the region’s commitment to inclusive learning environments.
Currently, a notable gap exists in specialist provision within these communities. Students requiring intensive support in Auchterarder are often compelled to undertake lengthy commutes to other schools, leading to an unwelcome separation from their local peers, friends, and siblings. This disruption extends beyond the classroom, impacting social connections and a sense of belonging within their immediate community. Similarly, families in Perth seeking a Roman Catholic education for their children with ASN have faced difficult choices, frequently having to opt for non-denominational schools due to the absence of appropriate faith-based facilities. This situation has undeniably undermined the principle of equitable access to education that respects diverse cultural and religious preferences. Council’s Vision: Local, Inclusive, and Responsive Care
The Perth and Kinross Council’s learning and families committee recently gave its full endorsement to these proposals, recognising the profound impact they will have. This investment forms the second phase of the broader ASN Transformation Programme, building on a £457,000 commitment agreed upon in January, which also included improvements at other local institutions like Kinross High.
The strategic development of ‘all-through ISP’ units at both the Community School of Auchterarder and St John’s RC Academy is designed to cater to primary and secondary age pupils with complex and multiple ASN. This integrated approach aims to provide a seamless educational journey, fostering stability and continuity for children as they progress through their school years. Positive Impact for Local Families
The sentiment among local representatives is overwhelmingly positive. Auchterarder Councillor Alan Watt expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the tangible benefits for families in his constituency. He stated, “This is great news. It will mean better outcomes for pupils without them having to leave family members to go to schools further afield.” His remarks underscore the importance of keeping children connected to their home communities and reducing the logistical and emotional burdens on families.
For Perth’s Roman Catholic community, the new ISP unit at St John’s RC Academy will fill a long-standing void. By offering specialist support within a denominational setting, the council is responding directly to the needs of parents who previously had to compromise their educational preferences. This development is expected to foster a more inclusive and representative educational landscape for all.
Convener John Rebbeck encapsulated the overarching objective of these significant changes, affirming the council’s dedication to its young citizens. He remarked, “This is about making the lives of our young people better.” This commitment to enhancing opportunities and providing tailored support is expected to yield lasting positive effects for countless children and their families in Perth and Kinross, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive closer to home and within an environment that respects their individual needs and beliefs.
Currently, a notable gap exists in specialist provision within these communities. Students requiring intensive support in Auchterarder are often compelled to undertake lengthy commutes to other schools, leading to an unwelcome separation from their local peers, friends, and siblings. This disruption extends beyond the classroom, impacting social connections and a sense of belonging within their immediate community. Similarly, families in Perth seeking a Roman Catholic education for their children with ASN have faced difficult choices, frequently having to opt for non-denominational schools due to the absence of appropriate faith-based facilities. This situation has undeniably undermined the principle of equitable access to education that respects diverse cultural and religious preferences. Council’s Vision: Local, Inclusive, and Responsive Care
The Perth and Kinross Council’s learning and families committee recently gave its full endorsement to these proposals, recognising the profound impact they will have. This investment forms the second phase of the broader ASN Transformation Programme, building on a £457,000 commitment agreed upon in January, which also included improvements at other local institutions like Kinross High.
The strategic development of ‘all-through ISP’ units at both the Community School of Auchterarder and St John’s RC Academy is designed to cater to primary and secondary age pupils with complex and multiple ASN. This integrated approach aims to provide a seamless educational journey, fostering stability and continuity for children as they progress through their school years. Positive Impact for Local Families
The sentiment among local representatives is overwhelmingly positive. Auchterarder Councillor Alan Watt expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the tangible benefits for families in his constituency. He stated, “This is great news. It will mean better outcomes for pupils without them having to leave family members to go to schools further afield.” His remarks underscore the importance of keeping children connected to their home communities and reducing the logistical and emotional burdens on families.
For Perth’s Roman Catholic community, the new ISP unit at St John’s RC Academy will fill a long-standing void. By offering specialist support within a denominational setting, the council is responding directly to the needs of parents who previously had to compromise their educational preferences. This development is expected to foster a more inclusive and representative educational landscape for all.
Convener John Rebbeck encapsulated the overarching objective of these significant changes, affirming the council’s dedication to its young citizens. He remarked, “This is about making the lives of our young people better.” This commitment to enhancing opportunities and providing tailored support is expected to yield lasting positive effects for countless children and their families in Perth and Kinross, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive closer to home and within an environment that respects their individual needs and beliefs.