Secondary Support Resource (SSR)

The SSR was formed within Irvine Royal Academy in 2021, offering support for neurodiverse young people within a calm, nurturing environment while still being able to access the mainstream curriculum.

The SSR can accommodate up to 16 young people, from S1 to S6, with the support of 3 teaching staff and 4 Pupil Support Assistants. As well as education and learning through play, personal care and medical needs are met.

Young people are referred to the SSR through the North Ayrshire Inclusion Group. A transition plan is agreed before young people are enrolled. Building positive relationships and getting to know the young people is a priority. Once young people are settled in the SSR, individualised plans are created with appropriate supports put in place to help young people attain and achieve at their own pace, within and out with a classroom environment. Some young people transition into mainstream class with support, others will be based in the SSR full time, depending on their level of need.

Every young person in the SSR has a bespoke and flexible timetable, with personal interests and hobbies included as part of learning and engagement. Numeracy, Literacy, Nurture and Health and Wellbeing are targeted areas developed daily. Music and PE staff provide personalised learning programmes for young people based in the SSR full time.

Being involved in the life of the school and adhering to the school values of Ambition, Respect and Responsibility are important to the SSR. Litter picking and gardening is encouraged on a weekly basis, with young people working towards a Saltire Award. Young people take part in school themed days such as Purple Friday, as well as House assemblies and school trips.

Our young people are encouraged to take part in local community events, such as ASN Multisport and football festivals, as well as outings to Castle Semple. This is thanks to the ASCPO team who work closely with the SSR to provide a variety of experiences for the young people.

SSR staff work with a variety of external agencies to support the young people of the SSR, including Social Work, Educational Psychology, Visual Impairment Team, School Nurse, Hearing Impairment Team and Occupational Therapy. Within the school young people can access internal supports from Area Inclusion, School Counsellor, Barnardo's, Careers Advisor, Campus Police Officer and MCR Pathways.