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Partnership link between Alva Academy, Fairfield Special School and Youth Workers

Why was this partnership activity necessary - concerns, aims, difficulties etc?
Initially this link was set up for a particular pupil who needed to be taught personal skills and due to the extent of her learning difficulties and home background these skills were not being acquired at home. In order to approach this issue sensitively it was necessary to establish a co-operative link with the local special secondary school. The scheme was extended the following year for 2 other pupils who again needed a much more practical, very small group setting to learn and develop basic skills for life.

Where does this partnership operate?
The Children are predominately taught and supported at Alva Academy but are transported to Fairfield Special School at set times during the week for certain aspects of their curriculum. As this partnership has extended we are working towards the staff of Fairfield coming to Alva to work with these pupils and eliminating much of the travelling. Some movement between the 2 sites will still be necessary in order for us to take advantage of resources which Fairfield has.

When does this work happen?
Most of the work takes places during the normal school day. However there is input from the youth workers during the school holiday and after school.

How does the scheme work? How is it maintained, sustained and evaluated?
The pupils have a key teacher and youth workers. The key teacher is responsible for developing the IEP. There is then close liaison between the key teacher, youth worker and Fairfield staff with input from the educational psychologist to develop the most appropriate programme for each individual pupil. There are regular formal review meetings between all the interested parties to evaluate how the programme is going and to make changes if necessary. On a daily/weekly basis there are informal meetings with the key teacher and youth workers and a diary is used to pass information between the staff at the 2 schools. The pupils' families are kept informed. As well as being part of the formal review process, regular weekly phone calls are made and home visits.

What are the benefits? What difference does this partnership make?
These pupils have remained at Alva MLD facility following the regular timetable while still having their specific individual needs met. They have gained in confidence and their independence has increased. The initial pupil is now in 4th year and college and work experience is part of the 4th year programme. She will join the Fairfield pupils at college and be part of the café run at Fairfield enabling her to fulfil this part of her curriculum while having additional support. From the staff's point of view we have established good working links between all the groups concerned. We also have enabled pupils to have access to greater resources in order to enhance their learning. There are also much stronger links between the schools and much more co-operation which has enabled the provision of special educational needs to be more diverse and tailored to the individual pupils needs.

4.4 Alva Academy/Fairfield Special School