About the Support Team

Support Team

Integrated Support Team

We have an integrated approach to supporting students to ensure that we can meet the needs of all students within the school.  The main aim of the Integrated Support Team is to remove barriers to learning and help students to access the curriculum at an appropriate level.  The team consists of Tutors, Heads of House, Support for Learning staff, Pupil Support staff, Wellbeing Support Officer and Support Assistants.  The school has a designated Support Area on the first floor and all staff are based there.

The Tutor's teachers role is to:

• register students at tutor time and monitor attendance
• monitor students progress and behaviour
• monitor student wellbeing
• support students to identify and meet their targets
• share key information via daily bulletin
• gather information on wider achievements

The Head of House / Pastoral Lead role

Students are organised into three vertical Houses;  Dechmont, Cairnpapple and Houstoun. Each group has a Head of House who works with tutors to ensure the welfare and progress of all.  Heads of House & Pastoral Lead also:

• keep all students records up to date
• monitor student wellbeing
• track and monitor student progress
• inform parents/carers of progress
• support students at key transition points e.g. post school transition

Support for Learning

Support for Learning staff work with students individually, in small groups or in the classroom. Working collaboratively with subject specialists to ensure that the curriculum is as widely accessible as possible for all students from S1 - S6.  When students have additional learning needs they may be supported by an Individual Education Plan, drawn up by students/staff and parents, giving them specific targets relevant to their needs and ability.  Support for Learning staff also organise Additional Assessment Arrangements negotiated with SQA for those students in S4, S5 and S6 whose learning needs necessitate this.  Delivering appropriate provision for all our students is a key aim, and we are all totally committed to this at Deans community High School.  If you feel that your child may require additional support then please contact the school for information and advice.  

The Pupil Support Base (PSA)

The base aims to provide a safe environment where students are encouraged to maximise potential. This base is managed by a Depute Head and a team of Support Assistants who work with students from all year groups and liaise closely with parents/carers. They also offer support with attendance issues, medical issues, homework and dress code and aim to maintain a positive ethos within the school by supporting the discipline system.

PSA staff also maintain all medical care plans and administer medication.  Template care plans can be found here: - 

Asthma Healthcare Plan (Word doc, 113 KB)(opens new window)

Epilepsy Healthcare Plan (Word doc, 159 KB)(opens new window)

Medication Healthcare Plan (Word doc, 87 KB)(opens new window)

Severe Allergies Healthcare Plan (Word doc, 182 KB)(opens new window)

The Wellbeing Support Officer

Working alongside the Heads of House and Pupil Support Staff, our Wellbeing Support Officer is a key figure in supporting our students wellbeing in school. They contribute to a positive school culture and enhance the overall educational experience. 

The Learning Base 

This area provides a structured and effective individual support for students whose academic and social needs cannot always be met within a classroom situation. The Learning Base allows students to continue to access as much of the full range of educational opportunities afforded by the school as appropriate at any given time.  Students will only be allocated time in the learning base in agreement with their year head, and parents / carers.

PT for Care Experienced Young People

Our PT for care experienced young people provides targeted support for young people who are currently or previously care experienced.  An student centred approached is taken and includes one-to-one support and check-ins.  Our PT for care experienced young people has an overview of student wellbeing and progress and will be the key contact for parents / carers and partner agencies working alongside the young person.

Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP)

Our enhanced learning provision comprises of three spaces:

• Reboot (small classroom setting)
• Reflect (reflection area)
• Recharge (regulation area)

Students would be allocated a place within ELP as part of the transition planning from P7 into S1. Students accessing the ELP have bespoke timetables which will include time between mainstream classes and the ELP.