Month: September 2016

Have your say on childcare provision

Views sought for next steps in early learning and childcare entitlement

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A consultation seeking views on the future expansion of free Early Learning and Childcare will start next week. The announcement was made by Mark McDonald, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, during a parliamentary debate on the expansion of early learning and childcare.

The consultation will set out the Scottish Government’s vision for transforming early learning and childcare. This will be underpinned by four principles of quality, flexibility, accessibility and affordability.

Views are being sought on areas including future funding options and models of delivery. Providers, practitioners, delivery partners and, parents and families are being asked to take part.

Mr McDonald said: “High quality early learning and childcare plays a vital role in narrowing the attainment gap which is why this Government has gone further than any other in our commitment to expanding free entitlement.

“Increasing the number of funded hours for all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds from 600 hours to 1,140 hours is our most transformative infrastructure project. No other policy has such potential to change the lives of children and their families while improving the prospects of Scotland’s economy in the short and long term.

“The financial review of early learning and childcare provision published earlier this week provided a comprehensive picture of the current landscape in Scotland. We have made substantial progress in recent years but we must do more.

“It is vital we keep up momentum, working closely with all interested parties to ensure we continue to improve and adapt the way free childcare provision is delivered in Scotland.”

Financial review of early learning and childcare in Scotland: the current landscape is available here.

Respondents will be able to submit their views through an online survey, via email or post.

 

ScotlandsPeople website revamp

Trace your family tree and find those long-lost ancestors

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ScotlandsPeople – the website which helps people search for their Scottish ancestors online – has been revamped and relaunched with a new look and a number of new features. It’s an invaluable online resource for genealogists – and searches are free. Continue reading ScotlandsPeople website revamp

Letter: the cold hard truth

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Dear Editor

With winter approaching millions of people will be faced with the increasing cost of their fuel bills. For too many households it will be a question of heating the house properly or eating enough, both cannot be done.

Yet the industries that supply the means to do so make millions of pounds for investors in these privately owned compamies. It cannot be right that such essential services to sustain life should be run for private profit whilst every year there are thousands of cold related illnesses and deaths These services should and must be publicly owned using the profits made, for the benefit all.

This situation equally applies to the transport industry of Rail,Bus and Tram services that are needed to get to and from work. This is a big expense for most people, yet again millions are made for investors in these private companies: again this cannot be right. As people have to travel to their places of work these essential services should be publicly owned and operated for the benefit of all.

A. Delahoy (by email)  

Bem Macpherson glows gold!

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Ben Macpherson MSP was proud to welcome the Glow Gold September campaign to the Scottish Parliament recently to support them in their mission to get the world “Glowing Gold” to change the face of childhood cancer.

The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP met with a group of parents and grandparents from the Glow Gold September campaign to find out how everyone in Edinburgh can “glow gold” and do their bit to raise the profile of childhood cancer and help raise awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms.

Glow Gold September is a grassroots campaign that was started by parents and grandparents whose families have been affected by childhood cancer. They are on a mission to get the world “Glowing Gold” and shine a spotlight on childhood cancer. They have been inviting childhood cancer charities to unite in the goal of raising the profile of childhood cancer by “glowing gold “ during September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) and spread awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms to aid earlier diagnosis and detection.

The campaign has had an incredible impact in Scotland and globally. It has seen more than 200 famous landmarks and buildings sign up to light their façades in gold, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Galleries and St Andrew’s House.

Ben Macpherson said: “I am proud to be supporting the Glow Gold campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms and signs of childhood cancer and I hope that everyone in the area will join me in Glowing Gold this September.

“The support that Glow Gold has gathered is incredible and I will do all I can to help support this important campaign in Edinburgh, and across Scotland.”

Commenting, Emma Barron, one of the Glow Gold founding parents said: “Our aim at Glow Gold has been to ensure the colour gold becomes synonymous with childhood cancer and our awareness month September. We have been asking iconic buildings and landmarks to illuminate gold. And have been asking charities to work together to raise the profile of childhood cancer and improve awareness. And have been using the interest generated to disseminate the information on the early warning signs and symptoms through the be child cancer aware and headsmart awareness cards”

“11 children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the UK daily, a quarter wont survive and the vast majority will be left with some form of long term disability as a result of their cancer or its treatment. Knowledge is power, and we wish to empower parents with the knowledge required to pick up the signs and symptoms early. We are proud to have over 200 buildings that have illuminated this month to raise awareness and we will be aiming to build on this in the coming years.”

November playtime’s for free!

Now we can all get the chance to put our feet up!

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Customers signing up for an Edinburgh Leisure soft-play membership in October will receive November free. For unlimited soft play for only £15.00 per month, little adventurers can enjoy unlimited fun in any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city.

The state of the art facilities: Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello and Scrambles and Rock Tot Playroom at the EICA: Ratho are suitable for children up to 10 years, are clean and safe, with friendly staff on hand.   They all have great cafes too, selling healthy snacks and tasty treats.

To join, pop into your local soft play venue at Edinburgh Leisure and for further information visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

 

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Millennium Centre News

James McGinty with all the latest news from Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre …

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Stepping Stones Take Great Strides

After the Introductions and approval of the minutes of the of the last AGM the scene was set for the Trustees Report in which many accolades were given to the retired Marilyn Keilloh who managed the project for 27 years,and a huge thank you for Morag Wilson who has taken up the challenging position.

Fiona Gray (Chairperson) then said she was happy to announce moving into a new , shared premises, beginning in010_0250September 2016 and to be completed by May 2017. Fiona finished off by thanking all involved on behalf of the Trustees.

Next on the Agenda was the Managers Report by Morag Wilson. Morag started by by acknowledging Marilyn’s contribution to the project She stated that the services continued to flourish and that they had secured 5 years funding from the Big Lottery, this along with a further 3 years funding from the Health Improvement Fund and a new funding from Young Start enabling a more secure future to the Development Workers role. A new element was in the name of new PEEP groups ( Family Groups to tackle Isolation)in which they hope they achieve S.Q.A accreditation.

A  PowerPoint presentation was then shown with input from three Staff members.
Financial Report from treasurer Roy Craig: Roy stated that the project had increased its income by 61% and use this to fund additional roles:
Programme Development Worker
Seasonal group Worker
Early Years Parenting Practitioner

Roy stated a thank you to Edinburgh Council, who continue to be their main source of funding, and the many other funders who play such a large part in Stepping Stones.

Morag thanked all for attending and invited everyone to a delicious buffet.

Crafting for people with disabilities

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Crafting for people with disabilities
Mondays 10.00am – 12.00 noon

A new activity has now begun at the Centre in the form of arts & Crafts for people with disabilities. This was the brainchild of Eileen Carr who runs the Arts & Crafts on Friday afternoons.

This activity started with 14 participants (7 one – to –one carer support and 7 crafters) This group have also been integrated into the Friday Group. Some of the group are with the Craighall Group, but many more are arriving in taxis to attend both the Zumba and the Crafting.

All are welcome to join this enthusiastic group. Eileen’s general rules apply, ie: If you don’t feel up to crafting, you can just come along for a chat!

Sessions will be split into 2 main sessions with a break fore tea and biscuits and the remainder of the time for tidying up.

James McGinty

 

 

 

Bumps to Bairns Nearly New Market: Sunday 23 October

Bumps to Bairns Nearly New Market

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Do you have nearly new and in good condition maternity, newborn, toddler, junior clothes, toys, bric a brac, etc. looking for a new home? If so, why not take a table at the “Bumps and Bairns” event on Sunday 23 October at Saint Stephens Stockbridge from 10 – 4pm.

The cost will be £20 a stall and there will be a £1 entry fee which will go to the Benzies Foundation and the restoration project for Saint Stephen’s Stockbridge. If you’re keen to run a stall, please email your name, address, number and what items you plan to sell to susie.coupar@benziesfoundation.org