There are 17 Secondary Schools and 145 Primary Schools across Aberdeenshire. More information about our universal offer of support in mainstream schools can be found here: Universal Offer to Children and Young People.
There is an Enhanced Provision Primary and Secondary School in each of our 17 clusters, with specialist knowledge and skills to support children and young people with additional support needs. A small number of pupils will attend the Enhanced Provision setting on a full- or part-time basis for intensive targeted support. The majority of Primary aged pupils who require Enhanced Provision support receive this on an outreach basis within the context of their local school. Depending on the child’s needs, this support may come from a Pupil Wellbeing Worker, Nature Nurture Practitioner, or Enhanced Provision Outreach Worker. You can find out more about these roles here: Primary Enhanced Provision Outreach Support Overview.
Aberdeenshire supports children and young people with highly significant and complex learning needs through Complex Needs Provisions within nine localities. Some Complex Needs Provisions are located within a mainstream school, and others are freestanding Special Schools. Both types meet the same level of need and offer the same high level of targeted support.
There are a range of specialist services that work with schools to support them to meet children and young people’s additional needs. You can find more information about these services using the following links: Specialist Technology Service (ASPECTS) Educational Psychology Service English as an Additional Language Service (EAL) School Counselling Service Sensory Support Service (Hearing and Vision)
Schools work closely with partner agencies through GIRFEC processes to meet the holistic needs of children, young people and their families.
Community Learning & Development
The Community Learning and Development Service Delivery Plan sets out the approach of the Community Learning and Development Service in meeting Aberdeenshire Councils 2024 – 2029 priorities. The Community Learning and Development Service contributes to local and national priorities through the activity of two teams, Adult Learning and Communities and Youth and Communities. The Service is targeted, working in communities most affected by socioeconomic factors.
The Community Learning and Development – Youth and Communities Team supports young people (11–25) across Aberdeenshire to reach their full potential through personal, social, and informal learning opportunities.
Engagement is voluntary and based on individual, group, and community needs, using a person-centred approach. We build positive relationships, empower young people to make informed decisions, and challenge their thinking to explore options and assess risks. Working with partners, we co-create programmes and family learning opportunities, ensuring young people are involved in planning. Our work enhances social, emotional, and physical wellbeing across different settings. We target our resources at those most disadvantaged, and during key times of transition in the lives of young people.
Please see link below for Service referral form: