Support for Pupils

Guidance

Guidance at Knox Academy exists to support the general aims of the school in creating a positive ethos of achievement and expectation and to ensure all pupils receive sympathetic help to achieve their full potential and equip them for life in the community and beyond.

The PT Curriculum (Social Subjects) has a particular responsibility for S6 pupils.

In addition, Ms L Stevenson (PT Inclusion) works with all three houses to promote the school's positive approach to inclusion of all pupils.

Pupils are arranged in tutor groups according to their house.  Pupils will generally remain in the same house throughout their time at Knox to enable them to build up a relationship with their Guidance Teacher.

Learning Support and Additional Support Needs

East Lothian Council has published a Policy for Inclusion - Learning and Teaching for All.  There is a continuum of provision available for children with additional support needs.  A new model has been developed for allocation of resources through Staged Assessment and Intervention to schools to support such children.

Knox Academy is guided by the East Lothian Council Accessibility Strategy and the Disability Discrimination Act in relation to access to school buildings, the curriculum and associated services.

Currently the Learning Support department has two full-time teachers and five Support for Learning Assistants.  The Learning Support staff support pupils with additional support needs to gain access to the curriculum.   They do this by working in class alongside subject teachers and by the direct teaching of individuals and small groups within the department.

To back up this support they work closely with the Guidance Team and with visiting specialists and relevant outside agencies.  They also liase with primary schools regarding pupils' individual identified learning needs so that these can be addressed when they transfer to secondary school.

If you have any concerns that your child might require additional support, please contact Ms C Rainger (PT LSSN) for further information via the school office (01620 823387).

Further Support

The school aims to offer support and assistance to pupils who find the academic and social demands of life in the school and community overwhelming at times.  We operate a Pupil Support Base which offers a supportive environment for pupils experiencing difficulties.

The new Community Schools Initiative has funded the cluster with a Child and Family Support Worker to support pupils and families.  East Lothian Inclusion Service (ELIS) offers a range of provision for children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The school may also enlist the knowledge and advice of other professionals where pupils are exhibiting significant learning, social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.