Pupil Support

Pupil Support at Balerno High School is designed to provide an integrated and planned approach to ensure that each pupil feels known and valued, has his or her needs met and is able to meet his or her full potential throughout their education and beyond.

The school support system is organised around into three houses: Bavelaw, Cockburn and Malleny. Each house is led by a Pupil Support Leader (PSL). Within each house, PSLs have a responsibility for the personal, curricular, vocational and social development of the pupil’s progress. PSLs closely monitor and track progress and attainment across the school and provide support strategies where required as well as providing pastoral support as needed. To ensure each pupil achieves their full potential, house staff liaise regularly with teachers, parents and, where necessary, appropriate agencies from the wider community.

The Pupil Support Team is ably supported by a number of professionals, including, but not limited to:

Julie Begley: Classroom Assistant

PC Jimmy Dee: Police – school link officer

Sarah Hulme: Educational Psychologist

Gillian Ross: Skills Development Scotland

Barry McGuigan: Employability and Skills

Fran Platt: ASL Team Leader

Gordon MacLean: GIRFEC Area Coordinator

Anna Finn: School nurse

Educational Welfare Service Officers

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

As required, PSLs will link with voluntary organisations who can provide services such as family mediation, counselling, coaching and other supports that individuals and families can require.

If you would like to discuss any concerns regarding your child’s welfare or progress please contact the appropriate PSL.

(To prevent spam the @ symbol in emails is replaced with ‘ at ‘.)

Bavelaw: Shaun Ferguson shaun.ferguson’ at ‘balernochs.edin.sch.uk

Cockburn: Jacqueline Thompson Jacqueline.thompson’ at ‘balernochs.edin.sch.uk

Malleny: Vaila Wright vaila.wright’ at ‘balernochs.edin.sch.uk