St Francis Day Unit (Plains) offers education on a day placement basis for boys aged 12-16 yrs who may have social emotional and behaviour difficulties. The unit is situated within the grounds of St Philip?s School which allows the day pupils to access the full curriculum provided by the school.
Education
St Francis Day Unit offers each young person an Individualised Education Programme, which is designed to identify and support progress towards achievable educational targets. Young people are supported and encouraged to undertake examinations leading to recognized awards.
The Education Department works closely with the In-House Psychological Service and Care Staff in supporting the Educational and Social needs of the young people.
The staff pupil ratio is 1:6 but in reality, with classroom assistants and day support from a dedicated residential care team who also work in classes, the ratio is often 1: 3/4.
Curriculum
The school offer a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science including aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Social Subjects, Physical Education, Home Economics, practical Craft Skills, Information Technology, Art and Motor Vehicle Mechanics. Individual tuition is also made available in other specialist areas such as music.
A new purpose motor vehicle maintenance learning centre is being constructed partly funded through a grant from the Scottish Government. Learning Support is available to Young People as appropriate.
All teaching staff are well qualified and registered with the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTC).
All pupils have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which incorporates targets set in all subjects and which is used by teachers, care staff and pupils at regular meetings which monitor progress. The plan is also used to inform parents and carers at Open days and Parents? Meetings as well as external agencies such as social work.
When a young person is admitted to St Philip's, a proportion of the first weeks will involve an Initial Assessment to establish a baseline and achievable targets for an Individualised Education Plan. Pupils have access to Standard Grade, Access 2, 3 and Intermediate 1 across the curriculum.
Care
There are 5 social care staff who work closely with teaching staff to meet both the educational and social needs of each young person within a key workers/teacher liaison system.
Care staff provide individual support, liaise with teachers, carers and parents, other agencies such as educational psychologists and social workers. They also run programmes including Cognitive Skills and Anger management, prepare reports and attend progress reviews and children's hearings.
Extra Curriculum Activities
There are a wide range of leisure activities and facilities for the young people and they are encouraged to participate in an extensive outdoor education programme. Some of the activities include multi gym, indoor 5 a side football, computer games, pool and skiing.
There is also a summer programme which supports the young people during the school holidays.
