Provisionally registered teachers (PRTs) at Renfrewshire Council have taken part in a pilot to enhance inclusive education.
The structured pilot undertaken during their probation year aims to support PRTs to be better equipped to support learners with additional support needs (ASN) from the very start of their careers.
Five primary and one secondary PRTs took part in the pilot. They attended Riverbrae School, a specialist ASN provision in Linwood, for six full days over a short period.
During their time, they got to observe and support practice as well as independently teach children and young people. From this, they gained additional skills which they have used in their own classrooms.
The programme aims to strengthen confidence and capability in key areas, including communication strategies, emotional regulation, behaviour support, and curriculum differentiation. It aligns with national priorities around Additional Support for Learning and the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Professional Standards.
PRTs said the pilot had given them valuable experience in developing personalised learning approaches for learners. They also had the opportunity to work with multiple agencies and developed a deeper, system-wide understanding of meeting diverse learner needs.
Emily Kean said:
I came in with an open mind. I wanted to observe and shadow as much as possible to see the strategies used and planning. It was great to have time with the teachers and look through the curriculum and how they adapt to that in the classroom.
I was in a classroom with 6 non-verbal children and it helped me understand how their behaviour is communication. There are children in mainstream who struggle to communicate their emotions, so learning how to understand non-verbal communication has been valuable.
Lucy Dempster explained:
My teaching practice has now been a lot more creative. I had developed into a routine in mainstream school but in Riverbrae, there are a lot of creative ways used to teach children. It gave me an insight on how I can improve learning within mainstream.
Seeing how the school supports different children’s needs, makes the most out of their day and supports their learning has been valuable.
Maria McCarte, who supports Renfrewshire’s PRTs, said:
Developing confident, skilled teachers who can meet the needs of all learners is a key priority. This ASN placement offers valuable hands-on experience in inclusive practice and helps build a more responsive education system.
Lynne Hollywood, Head Teacher of Riverbrae School and ELCC, added:
It has been a privilege to welcome six PRTs into our school as part of this Scotland-first pilot. They approached every session with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to learn from both our pupils and staff. We hope this unique experience will strengthen their confidence in inclusive practice as they begin their teaching careers, and may even inspire some to pursue a career within the additional support needs sector.
Education Convener for Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Emma Rodden, said:
Ensuring PRTs are equipped with the skills they need to support all learners is vital. This pilot helps to improve outcomes for children and young people by providing the key skills teachers need in today’s classrooms.
ASN placements can take place alongside the induction year as long as provisionally registered teachers meet their core teaching commitments, GTCS guidance confirms.
Renfrewshire expects to continue this pilot with next year’s PRT cohort.