Parklands Additional Needs School opened in 1993, a purpose-built school for pupils with Complex Special Educational Needs. Since then the range of provision has been extended and the school now meets the needs of pupils from 5 to 19 years with moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, complex and multiple disabilities, associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. When appropriate pupils have shared placements with mainstream, primary or secondary schools. In addition the school has social links with other local schools. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, music and movement room, home economics area and multi-sensory environment.

A large, bright main hall is used for PE and assemblies and is also the dining area. Outdoor facilities include a sensory garden. The school is well placed for access to local facilities and transport. The local swimming pool is used by certain classes as part of the PE programme. The town centre, only minutes away, provides opportunity for learning and practising personal and social skills such as road safety, shopping and using the library. In addition there is a school bus which enables pupils to access places of interest a little further a field for environmental and social studies. A number of local residents and senior pupils from local secondaries give voluntary help on a regular basis.

Parklands School is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a crucial service to those families that need it most.

Parklands School Parent Council are currently embarking on a major fundraising programme to improve the facilities of the School playground for use by all the children and the local community and we hope that the Helensburgh and Lomond Real Ale Festival will be able to help them in this aim.