Clackmannanshire Schools Support Service (CSSS)

Clackmannanshire Schools’ Support Service (CSSS) offers a spectrum of support for children and young people with Additional Support Needs who face a barrier to learning arising from social, emotional or behavioural needs. The service aims to support children and young people to access a broad general education and wider life experiences; to gain skills for learning, life and work and ultimately move into positive and sustained destinations.

CSSS offers a variety of full time and part time places at both primary and secondary level as well as outreach support in all mainstream primaries and secondary schools within the authority. Families can be further supported through individual work with a family support worker or by attending Parent Groups or Drop Ins. Off site placements are independently created to meet individual needs; all pupils are on stage four of Staged Intervention, all have a Form 4 Child’s Action Plan and some have a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP). Entry to placements is via a multi agency Internal Resource Group referred by mainstream schools and supported by the Educational Psychologist.

All pupils remain on their mainstream school roll. All placements are monitored by this group to ensure necessary alterations are made and re-integration plans are facilitated as soon as is appropriate.

Pupils benefit from small group education provided in a supportive and nurturing environment provided by staff skilled in developing trusting relationships that encourage children and young people to face challenges and re-engage in learning. Developing literacy, numeracy and health & well being skills are enhanced through many opportunities for outdoor learning including horse riding, skiing, mountain biking, residential experiences and team building / problem solving activities.

CSSS work with many partners to provide a wide range of experiences to meet the needs of all our students. A highly committed staff team trained in restorative approaches, solution focused meetings, de-escalation strategies, rebound therapy, Indian Head Massage, Equine Therapy etc are able to support students to address health and well being needs.

The goal for all pupils is re-integration to mainstream education unless this does not meet the needs of the child or young person. The Support Service’s multi-disciplinary team including teachers, support workers and LAs is further enhanced with additional input coming from Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy Service, Physiotherapy and Psychological Services and also from our many partners.