A NEW autism provision has opened at Bannockburn Primary School as part of Stirling Council’s work to further enhance the specialist settings available to children requiring additional support in the area.

Ten local children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have started at the new classrooms which add to the specialist placements already available in Callander and Riverside Primary Schools.

Audrey Ross, the school's headteacher, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer an Autism Provision at Bannockburn Primary.  

"Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders will benefit from carefully planned learning activities in purpose built rooms as individuals or in small groups, while also benefitting from a mainstream school environment. It’s fantastic to offer a flexible approach to supporting the education and wellbeing of all our pupils."

The provision further enhances the range of support available for children with ASD support needs in the Stirling area. 

This includes a secondary provision at St Modan’s High School and a team of outreach teachers who work across schools and nurseries throughout the Stirling Council area.

Education convenor Susan McGill recently visited the classrooms along with Education Vice-Convenor Margaret Brisley to see how pupils are benefitting from the hard work of specialist staff first hand.

She said: "It was a pleasure to meet the children benefitting from the autism classrooms at Bannockburn Primary, along with the amazing teaching staff there who have created a relaxed, safe and engaging environment for their pupils. 

"Primary autism provisions at schools in Riverside and Callander have already proven to be successful in enhancing the learning of pupils so I very much welcome the opening of this additional resource in Bannockburn. 

"Extending our additional support provisions means that more pupils than ever can get the support they need, close to their own community."