Autism service at Alva school celebrates its first birthday

A service which helps primary children with autism has celebrated its first birthday.

The Clackmannanshire council provision is based at Alva Primary School, and the sevice is the only provision of its kind in Clackmannanshire. Seven pupils currently attend.

Councillor Ellen Forson, education convener, said: “This provision forms part of a range of recent Education Service developments which aim to provide a high quality education for all local children who have an autism spectrum disorder.

“A secondary autism provision has also been further developed in Alva Academy and specialist inclusion teachers now provide support for children who have autism spectrum disorders in schools across Clackmannanshire.”

Being based within the school allows inclusion in mainstream classes to be planned for each child individually. In addition carefully planned learning activities are provided for individuals and small groups within the purpose built rooms in the provision.

The new principal teacher of the autism provision, Ruth McCaskell, said:“The children and staff have been made to feel very welcome and have settled in well.”

In recent months parents have worked together to raise funds to develop the courtyard area, which provides a safe space for children to play and learn outdoors. The parents, children and staff from the provision took part in a sponsored walk round Gartmorn Dam and raised £1382. Thanks go to everyone who supported this event. This was one of the many activities parents organised to raise funds to create an attractive and stimulating garden.