Teacher

Parklands School is situated in Helensburgh, a town approximately thirty miles north west of Glasgow, in the county of Argyll and Bute. The catchment area is Helensburgh and Lomond, with some senior pupils from West Dunbartonshire Authority.

Parklands opened in 1993, a purpose-built school for pupils with Complex Special Educational Needs. Since then the range of provision has been extended and the school now meets the needs of pupils aged 3 - 18 with moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, complex and multiple disabilities and associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. Some pupils have shared placements with mainstream schools and there are good links with other local schools. Senior pupils have the opportunity to attend Clydebank College in their final years.

School facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, music and movement room, home economics area and a multi-sensory environment. There is a range of Apple computers and PCs in every class, with access to printers, digital cameras and Smart Board technology.

A large, bright main hall is used for Physical Education and assemblies and also serves as art gallery and dining area. Outdoor facilities include a football pitch, a well-equipped playground and a sensory garden. The school has its own kitchen and school meals are prepared by two catering staff.

The school is well placed for access to local facilities and transport. The local swimming pool and gym are used by classes as part of the PE programme. The town centre, only minutes away, provides opportunity for learning and practising personal and social skills such as road safety, shopping and using the library. In addition, there is a school bus which enables pupils to access places of interest a little further afield for environmental and social studies.

The school employs specialist teachers on a weekly basis. Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on a regular basis, dependent on pupil needs. School Nurses or Nursing Support Workers visit daily to carry out specific duties.

Parklands has a very good relationship with the local community. When pupils use local facilities, they are very well received. The staffs are generally aware that the pupils are learning skills and are co-operative and supportive.

In developing a comprehensive service for children and young people with additional support needs in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, the Area Network Support Team is now based in the school. This offers maximum opportunities for liaison, consultation and sharing of good practice across all sectors.