Over 300 teachers and partners across education in East Dunbartonshire came together at Woodland View School in Kirkintilloch to focus on the importance of relationships when supporting children and young people with additional support needs.
The Additional Support Needs (ASN) Showcase event (the second to have been held in East Dunbartonshire), saw educators meet to collaborate, share practice and engage in a wide range of inspiring workshops focused on inclusion, wellbeing, communication and trauma informed approaches.
This year’s theme, ‘Relationships – The Key to Success’, was the basis for workshops delivered by specialists in education, social work and charities providing support to children and families locally. One of the highlights was a workshop on Alternative and Augmentative Communication presented by S6 pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy, St Ninian’s High School and Turnbull High School. The young people confidently shared creative approaches to strengthening communication with children with additional support needs.
The keynote address was delivered by Janine Mccullough from Education Scotland, and the event was officially opened by East Dunbartonshire Council’s Convener of Education, Councillor Lynda Williamson.
This year’s event was another fantastic celebration of learning, connection and support for our ASN community.
Cllr Williamson, said, “Across the Education Service in East Dunbartonshire there is a strong, unwavering commitment to enhancing outcomes for children and young people and this was evident in the high levels of attendance and participation at the ASN Showcase event. It was encouraging to see valuable partnership working in action, both across council services and external organisations working to support children and young people with additional support needs living in our communities.
“I’d like to thank Janine Mccullough from Education Scotland, the young people from our secondary schools and all those who delivered workshops, for sharing their knowledge and expertise. This year’s event was another fantastic celebration of learning, connection and support for our ASN community.”
