One of the most common requests we get from families is for support in accessing other services.
This page is full of options, but we know that new ones arise all the time. If you know a good service in your area, please share so we can pass the information on to help others.
Our Facebook page is the best place for this, it's a great way to connect with other families. Usually someone in our community can give you a suggestion from their own experiences.
Starting Points
Your first point of contact is your child's class teacher. All of our teacher's have access to Seesaw and will stay in regular contact with you through this app. If there's something you need we will do our absolute best to get it sorted for you.
This includes asking for referrals to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Social Work, child mental health services (CAMHS) etc.
Our management team will be involved in any referral made on your behalf. They operate an open door policy and are always happy to meet or chat on the phone (0141 9441323). Fiona and Peter are very experienced in making referrals for parents and can explain processes to you.
Your GP is the best way to get access to services related to health and personal care. Your GP can also refer to SLT, OT, Social Work or CAMHS.
Financial Support
Family Fund provides grants to families for a child's particular needs. For example, to buy sensory equipment or technology. We often help families apply for the grants, just contact the school and we can help.
Family Fund work with Take a Break, who specialise in money towards family holidays and outings. Again, we can support you to apply.
Support with Sleep
Unfortunately sleep issues are a very common concern for our families. Lack of sleep has a massive impact on the whole family's wellbeing.
If your child has had a bad night, please let their teacher know. It helps us to support them and understand where behaviour changes might be coming from. We try to keep the kids up in school even if they are very tired in order to break the cycle.
Sleep Scotland are a charity that specialises in promoting healthy sleep patterns through planning a program to change routines and behaviour around sleep. If you'd like their support email them and they will arrange a time to have a phone consultation. They don't accept referrals from schools.
sleepsupport@sleepscotland.org
Your class teacher or your GP are also there to offer support around sleep and routines at home.
Support with Communication, Speech and Language
Our school SLT is Nicola Heatherton. She is in school regularly and supports our staff to develop resources and meet our children's communication needs within school. If you have a specific concern that you would like Nicola to offer support with you can refer to her through the school or your GP.
For many of our pupils Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC) tools are needed for communication to take place. The main AAC strategies we use in Drummore are Makaton and symbol supports. You can find out more about both of these approaches on their separate pages on this blog.
We can offer you support with accessing AAC resources and training. We create symbol systems and communication books regularly for pupils, if there's something you would like please ask. This includes getting access to high tech devices. The procedure for high tech devices can be quite slow, we can explain what's involved and support you with it.
Your child's teacher is the first point of contact. I'm (Nicola McSweeney) also leading communication in the school and can work with you to plan a provide the best tools for your child.
Support with Toilet Training and Personal Care
Learning to become independent is a huge part of our curriculum. We work in partnership with our families to teach the skills around independent personal care. Your class teacher will discuss this aspect of their learning regularly and can provide support and advice.
There is a Continence Service that will support your child and can provide pull ups etc. This service is only accessed by GP referral, you can request this from your doctor.
Haircuts
Many of our children struggle with sensory overload during a haircut. One of our parents has kindly been lending her services over the last few years, which has made a huge difference to many of our families.
We'll let you know when the hairdresser is due in school and we'll do our best to get their hair done if you need it.
Dentistry
One of our families has found great success in improving their child's confidence at the dentist by going to an autism friendly service. The main office is based in the Gorbals (01412015090), but they do clinics elsewhere on other days. You can get access to the service by referral from your dentist.
We run a toothbrushing program in school and support our pupils to brush every day. If you need more help for home we can provide visual supports to show the sequence of brushing or a "now and next" visual to encourage. There are plenty of brushes and toothpaste in school we can send home too.
Sibling Support
All siblings of children with learning disabilities are considered young carers.
For young carers between the age of 16-18, an annual grant is offered by the Scottish Government. You can find out more and apply here.
Clubs
This is a biggie.
There are many services out there but waiting lists can be extremely long. For some services, up to three years. I'll highlight the ones I've contacted and I know there will be a long wait. They are good services though and if you feel like they might be of benefit at some point getting your name on the lists could be well worth it in the long term.
Afterschool/ Summer clubs
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Buddies are based in Scotston. They run a variety of services supporting families with additional needs, including after school and summer clubs. It's good service and over the years many of our pupils have attended and it's been a real lifeline to their families. The waiting list is currently very long so if you would like this support in the future don't delay in getting on it.
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Based close to Drummore, 3D Drumchapel provides different groups to support children and families in the area, including specific groups for children with additional needs. There are currently places available on their SENsation afterschool club, which is for children with additional needs and runs on Wednesday nights.
This is out in Castlemilk so a bit further afield. They provide afterschool clubs and summer clubs for children with learning disabilities. Similar to Buddies, their waiting list is currently about two years, so if you would like access in the future don't delay in contacting them.
Activities
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A good starting point looking for sporting activities is Disability Sport Glasgow. They have listings of the different clubs around Glasgow for many sports and many age groups. There are event listings on the site and a blog that showcases success stories.
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This dance company is specific to additional needs and runs a range of inclusive classes. You might recognise one of our former pupils is on the front page of their website!
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A very popular service, as a school we are on the waiting list to start taking pupil groups again. At present their waiting list is full for individual children, but it's worth keeping an eye on as this is a wonderful opportunity that many of our children love.
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This charity provides FREE sailing opportunities for young people with autism. Find out more on their website.
This is a safe sensory play area in Summerston which run groups for children with additional needs up to any age.
Support with Rights and Advocacy
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Should you ever experience issues around your child's education, we are here to listen. Any complaints will be dealt with by Fiona or Peter at school level. If you feel you need support beyond that or are unsatisfied Enquire is a great service for seeking advice. They have loads of information on their site and they operate a helpline on weekdays during office hours (until 1pm on Fridays).
The Govan Law Centre provides legal representation and advice with specialism in education.
Emotional Support
Every family in our school does a tremendous job. As a staff we are constantly impressed by the resilience and patience our families show. You are amazing!
All that effort takes its toll. It can be isolating, exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. It's so important to look after yourself. For yourself and so you can be there for your family.
Staying connected to the school and it's community is a big part of that. Having people around to listen who understand your child and can share their own experiences can make a big difference. All moaning welcome and usually we end up laughing too!
We encourage you to talk to us regularly and to each other. If there are any ways you feel we could do this better, please let us know.
Children First operates a service called Parentline, which is a listening service for any parent or carer. You can talk to their counsellors by calling 0800282233, weekdays 9am-9pm, weekends 9am-noon. You can also webchat using their online service.
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