A project that aims to improve services provided in schools to pupils with additional support needs is to be rolled out over 90 primary schools around Edinburgh.
A group of multi-disciplinary academics from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh have, in co-operation with teachers and health staff, developed a range of educational and therapy tools, which were initially implemented in 10 schools in the capital. The main aim of the Circle Project was to develop a common language that would be understood by education and health professionals.
Now, the 10 schools already using them will help the academics to roll out the project across Edinburgh. Due to the overwhelming demand, resources are now also being developed for secondary schools and nursery schools.
The team from QMU, which includes occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists, is also keen to make its resources available to a national and international audience.
Kirsty Forsyth, who runs the Circle Project, said: “We have made the language in the tools very consistent so that teachers and therapists are talking the same language. This allows therapists to apply their practice to the challenges of the school environment and enables teachers to see the rationale for practices that can better support children’s learning.”