For too long, our children’s education has been sidelined and underfunded. The general election is a critical moment for politicians of all parties to change this.
Parents and teachers will be expecting politicians to explain how they will solve the growing crises in education – affecting everything from crumbling, unsafe school buildings, to the worst teacher recruitment and retention crisis in a generation, and special educational needs provision – where there is a huge and increasing mismatch between children’s needs and the resources available for schools to support them.
School leaders and their staff nevertheless do everything in their power to ensure children receive the best possible education. But it is becoming harder to shield pupils from the impact of these problems.
NAHT’s election manifesto for England sets out solutions to the crises facing our schools which have been informed by dedicated school leaders who know better than anyone what is needed.
We are calling for immediate practical steps – including urgent plans to invest in school buildings, help for schools to support children with special educational needs, and the school workforce.
A series of pay rises are needed for teachers and school leaders over the course of the next parliament to restore the value of pay following years of real-terms cuts and once again make teaching a competitive graduate career.
All candidates and political parties must prioritise education in this election campaign, and heed these proposed solutions – committing the funding to deliver them and help ensure all children receive the education they deserve.
Doing so is not only vital for children’s learning and social development, it will also set them up for a happy and productive adulthood in which they contribute to the country’s future economic prosperity.
With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.
The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.
To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.
We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.
There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:“As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.
“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.
“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”
To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.
Scotland has launched its refreshed national events strategy designed to provide strategic focus for all involved in the planning, securing and delivery of events across Scotland.
Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035*aims to build on the event industry’s many achievements to date, as well as respond to the ongoing challenges faced by the sector. It also focuses on a range of national priority outcomes and critical success factors for the sector as it looks towards the next ten years.
An extensive consultation was undertaken across 2023 to shape the strategy. This involved an online consultation, a programme of industry engagement workshops delivered in partnership with Local Authorities across the country and a series of online webinars with additional stakeholder groups. More than 300 organisations and individuals engaged and their responses informed the strategy’s key themes and priorities.
Building on this approach, and in order to ensure a strong, shared ambition, the development and approval was a collaborative effort involving Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA and Trade Union representatives.
At the strategy’s core is the need to sustain and develop a dynamic, resilient, and responsible events sector that is recognised as a global leader and valued for its contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy.
Delivery of the strategy’s vision is centred on three critical interconnecting focus areas: Developing Events, Developing the Industry and Developing Scotland.
A range of aligned priority themes are also identified and form a key strategic focus. These include:
· Inclusive & Responsible Events
· Investment and Support
· Measuring, Monitoring and Reporting Impact
· Portfolio Approach enabling a variety of events and a balanced programme
· Attracting, Retaining and Developing a diverse talent pool
· Quality Planning and Delivery
· Infrastructure and Services
· Reputation and Profile
· Visitor Economy
A detailed action plan will be created, building on the set of suggested ‘next steps’ for each priority theme. The Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), together with partners, will help develop and oversee this action plan.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:“The launch of our refreshed national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035 marks a significant milestone for Scotland’s events sector.
“This strategy is a testament to our collaborative efforts and shared ambition, designed to build on our achievements and address the challenges ahead.
“With a focus on inclusive and responsible events, investment and support, and a dynamic portfolio approach, we’re committed to developing a sustainable events industry that contributes to Scotland’s economy. The new strategy will ensure Scotland remains a global leader in the events industry.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland said:“Since the development of the first national strategic approach to events in 2008, which was updated in 2015, Scotland has achieved an enviable global reputation as a major events powerhouse, hosting a scale and breadth of major international sporting championships, cultural festivals and much-loved regional events.
“Events are ideally placed to continue to deliver tangible results against a range of national priorities. They serve as catalysts for innovation, bring people together, and span a range of socio-economic impacts that propel society forward.
“The impact of this consistent and sustained focus on developing Scotland’s events industry over the last twenty years has been transformative. The refreshed strategy not only emphasises the hugely valuable importance of the sector, but it sets out a shared ambition for the next decade which is critical for ensuring Scotland maintains its world-leading events destination status.”
Peter Duthie, Chair of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) said: “Scotland’s events industry is an established global leader, delivering world-class events and experiences that contribute vital social, economic and cultural value for Scotland.
“The refreshed strategy provides the focus necessary to retain our global status as we look to the future. It will require us all to work collaboratively, innovatively and responsibly with confidence, determination and purpose, whilst also recognising the part we each play in the continued success of our sector. It also emphasises the need for continued support and investment to drive continued growth.
“On behalf of the Advisory Group, I welcome this strategy as we continue to move forward producing an enviable portfolio of business, sporting, and cultural events.”
Last year, the NSPCC delivered its Speak out Stay safe programme to nearly 63,000 children in Scotland
The assembly helps children understand abuse in all its forms and where to ask for help.
The charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme earlier this year alongside a new promotional video and is encouraging schools across the UK to sign up
NSPCC Scotland is appealing for volunteers to help share these vital messages in primary schools
NSPCC Scotland has released new today which reveals that their Speak out Stay safe educational programme was delivered to 62, 986 children across 348 schools in Scotland last year (April 2023 to March 24).
Speak out Stay safe, which has been running since 2011, aims to help primary school children understand abuse in an age-appropriate way, as well as teach them where to ask for help.
The NSPCC believes empowering children with this knowledge is vital as on average two children in a primary school class across the UK have experienced abuse or neglect.
Educating children on abuse and neglect helps them to recognise situations or signs which will enable them to share their concerns with a safe adult.
Earlier this year the children’s charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme, with a new promotional video. The updated version of Speak out Stay safe, which is available to all UK primary schools, includes a range of resources – which varies depending on the age of the children. Schools can benefit from virtual assemblies, lesson plans and face-to-face workshops with NSPCC trained volunteers.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Speak out Stay safe was delivered in more than 90% of all primary schools across the UK. This was affected due to the lockdown and using its refreshed service model, the children’s charity is ambitious to rebuild numbers and reach more children.
Speak out Stay safe volunteer, Karen Duncan (60) from Auchterarder, Perthshire, said:“Speak out Stay safe is a brilliant programme that helps children recognise what may be happening to them, that’s it not ok, and that they can speak to someone.
“I was a teacher for 30 years, but you don’t need previous professional experience of working with children to do this.
“The most important thing is that you are concerned about the wellbeing of children and would like to help keep them safe. The training and support are exceptionally good and it’s great to be part of a team with the same goal in mind.
“I feel I’m making a difference. If I can prevent abuse happening to one child, then I’ve done what I set off to do.”
Enola Butler, NSPCC Scotland Schools coordinator, said: “Speak out Stay safe is a vital safeguarding service in schools which helps them to understand what abuse is and where they can turn for help.
“We know many children might not be aware that they are experiencing abuse, and they might be scared about speaking out because they are worried about repercussions.
“Our volunteer numbers have reduced in recent years, and we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining us for just a few hours each month.
“Many volunteers have told us they feel privileged to be helping to spread these really important messages and we’d like to reach every child in Scotland to let them know that abuse is never their fault, and help is available.”
The programme is available in English, Welsh and incorporating British Sign Language and there is also a version of the programme for children with additional needs and disabilities.
TOURIST TAX: Local authorities empowered to invest in tourism
MSPs have backed legislation giving councils a new power to introduce a visitor levy that would raise funding for local visitor facilities and services.
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will enable local authorities to apply a levy on overnight stays with all money raised to be reinvested in services and facilities largely used by tourists and business visitors. Similar levies already apply in tourist destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam and Berlin as well as in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada.
Councils that want to introduce a visitor levy will be able to do so after they have consulted with local communities, businesses and tourism organisations.
An 18-month implementation period will then apply before any local authorities can introduce a visitor levy scheme in their area. This is to provide adequate time for councils and businesses to put in place the systems needed to collect and administer a levy.
An expert group of representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA and other partners will continue to work together to produce guidance for local authorities putting in place a visitor levy scheme.
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We share a vision with the tourism industry for Scotland to be a global leader in tourism and one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world.
“A visitor levy can help achieve that vision by empowering councils to raise funding, if they wish to do so, that can be invested in local visitor services and activities.
“This Bill has been a clear example of partnership working between the Scottish Government, local authorities and the tourism industry, in line with the New Deal for Local Government and New Deal for Business.
“We have sought to deliver as much flexibility to local authorities as possible and to listen to businesses to make it as easy as possible for them to adopt these measures.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Visitor Levy Bill has now passed through stage 3 in Parliament. With the introduction of these new Visitor Levy powers, councils across Scotland will have the ability to use a discretionary mechanism, that is firmly based on local flexibility.
“The opportunity of these new powers recognise the great diversity of Scotland’s communities, acknowledging that a one-size-fits all approach does not work. It will allow councils to respond to the needs and circumstances of both the local communities and our important visitor economies.
“The revenue raised through the introduction of visitor levy powers will be to the mutual benefit of residents, tourists and businesses. There will be opportunities for much-needed additional investment, potentially available across a range of facilities and services, from transport and culture to maintaining and improving our world-famous natural heritage and environment.
“The visitor levy is a crucial step towards greater empowerment for local government, and we will continue to progress joint work with the Scottish Government in ensuring the smooth progression of these powers into the hands of councils across Scotland.”
Council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass the Visitor Levy Bill.
He said: “We will continue to work closely with the sector, @VisitScotland and other partners to develop the scheme in the months and years ahead.”
Former Edinburgh city council leader SNP Cllr Adam Nols-McVey said: “Delighted to see this pass! It took a great deal of work, determination, engagement & collaboration when I led this process & changed @scotgov policy.
“The tourist tax can create investment for Edinburgh to help communities & local businesses thrive!”
The earliest a visitor levy could come into force would be spring 2026.
Over £829 million in social security payments providing boost for families
The families of more than 329,000 children under 16 are benefitting from Scottish Child Payment, latest statistics show.
The weekly payment of £26.70, which is unique to Scotland, is helping families with the cost of living crisis, with over £677 million paid since the payment launched.
Scottish Child Payment is part of a wider package of payments – including the three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods – which together have provided over £829 million in vital financial support at key stages of a child’s life.
There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.
In a survey, also released today, the majority of families said that the payments helped their child to take part in social or educational opportunities and also helped them buy milk and healthy food for their children.
Survey responses also suggest that families are finding it straightforward to apply with more than 90% of people noting the application was clear and did not take too long to complete.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As the First Minister has set out, eradicating child poverty is the number one priority for the Scottish Government.
“Scottish Child Payment plays a key part in that mission. Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments, this package of financial support, which is worth almost £25,000 per child by the time their child turns 16, is helping to make sure all children in Scotland get the best start in life.
“We have provided over £829 million to help people raise their families, putting money into the pockets of people who need it most.
“This crucial cash is available as soon expectant parents know they are pregnant all the way through to their child starting nursery, then going to primary and secondary school and helps them cover costs of caring for their children.
“We know from our recent research that families say the application process is clear and doesn’t take too long to apply. So I would urge families to apply for our package of five family payments and get the money they are entitled to.”
EVE transforms into Taylor’s Playground with Drag-themed Brunches and Iconic Tribute Performances
Get ready to shake it off and sing along as this June, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be turning up the Taylor Swift tunes for a weekend celebration across the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th.
For those that missed out on landing tickets to see Taylor live, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is offering tribute performances and drag themed brunches to ensure it’s a party like 1989.
Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining concept situated on Cowgate is preparing for a Taylor Swift themed weekend. The hotel will play host to themed brunches, accompanied by drag performances as well as tribute acts and Taylor Swift inspired friendship bracelets, making it the perfect Swiftie experience.
TAYLOR SWIFT THEMED BRUNCHES – 7th, 8th, 9th June (12:00 – 16:00)
On the 7th of June, Krystal Kleer will be kicking off the weekend with a brunch fit for a Swiftie, filled with Taylor’s greatest hits and DJ performances that will keep the party going.
On the 9th June, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be extending its existing brunch menu to include some of Taylor’s favourites, including burgers, chicken tenders, and a healthy sandwich option all created in true Eve style, by Executive Head Chef Giulio Morroni. This re-styled menu will also be available on 7th of June.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has revamped its cocktail menu for the occasion, ensuring it has all of Taylor’s favourites renamed to match her Eras album. Cocktails include Bad Blood, Mad Woman, Cruel Summer, and Champagne Problems
Custom Taylor themed bracelets will be created for guests during the weekend brunches, adding a personal touch to the fan experience with custom charms and colourful beads inspired by her iconic albums and lyrics.
Venue: Eve
Drinks package available including four Taylor Swift themed cocktails for £30pp.
TAYLOR SWIFT BIG BOOZY BRUNCH WITH ALICIA TRYDE – 8th June (12:00 – 16:00)
On the 8th of June, Alice Tryde will be host for the Big Boozy Brunch, an interactive experience for guests, with performances of songs from all Taylor’s albums, lip sync battles, and finish the lyrics challenges with exciting prizes up for grabs.
Venue: Eve
Priced at £35pp which includes buffet starters, desserts and a la carte for the mains which includes a vast selection of seafood, charcuterie, cheese, and salads.
TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE HOSTED BY SHY BAIRNS ENTERTAINENT – 9th June (12:15 -16:00)
For the ultimate Taylor Swift experience, Shy Bairns Entertainment will perform a homage to Taylor, performing all of her hit classics making it impossible not to sing along.
To those that weren’t able to grab tickets to The Eras Tour, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is on hand to offer a star performance that will ensure it is a party like 1989.
Eve will be transformed into an immersive experience, with performers singing and dancing to medleys spanning Taylor’s successful career.
Between performances, guests will have the opportunity to embark on a Taylor-themed scavenger hunt with each winner rewarded with a complimentary Eve cocktail.
Venue: Eve
Free of charge
THE SWIFTIE LOUNGE – 7th, 8th, 9th June (All day)
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will transform its iconic Scarlet Lounge into ‘The Swiftie Lounge’ for the Taylor Swift weekend
The Swiftie Lounge will host screenings of The Eras Tour all weekend, where guests are free to drop in throughout the 7th – 9th
Taylor themed cocktails will be available to order as well as complimentary popcorn
Venue: Scarlet Lounge
Price: Free of charge
WINE DOWN THURSDAY WITH A TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE – 6th June (18:30 – 20:30)
Kick off the Taylor Swift celebrations on Thursday 6th June as the talented Maryjane performs a special Taylor Swift set at Wine Down Thursdays.
Maryjane is set to get crowds singing along, with performances from all of Taylors iconic Eras.
Eve’s all day dining menu of delicious share plates will also be available.
Two men and a woman have been convicted of human trafficking and brothel keeping offences in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Qin Huang, 31, Xiao Min, 38, and Guolei Huang, 35, pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow today (Tuesday, 28 May, 2024).
They are due to be sentenced on Tuesday, 25 June, 2024.
Detective Inspector Mark Dines said: “Human trafficking is a despicable crime that has an unmeasurable long-term impact on its victims.
“We are committed to working with our partners to conduct thorough investigations, to identify those responsible and to protect vulnerable victims from harm.
“During this operation we worked in partnership with the Home Office Criminal & Financial Investigation Team and received assistance from officers of the Metropolitan Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
“We will continue in our efforts to tackle human trafficking and information from people within our communities is key to helping us to identify those involved.
“I ask that anyone with any information or concerns about the welfare of someone they suspect has been trafficked to contact us on 101.”
Scottish Businesses to benefit from global expert insight on tackling Modern Slavery
Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS), which focuses on the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking has announced an accelerator series of webinars designed to help Scottish businesses tackle the issue in their supply chains.
Businesses in Scotland have supply chains, and often operations, which span the globe. The International Labour Organisation believes that 63% of forced labour happens in the private economy, which accounts for 16million of the 28million men, women, and children in forced labour.
In Scotland alone, 765 referrals were made to Police Scotland as potential victims of human trafficking last year – the highest number since records began. This is up from 600 in 2022.
Human rights and supply chain expert, Elaine Mitchel-Hill, has engaged with SAMS to develop and deliver a Human Rights in Supply Chain Accelerator Series on a pro-bono basis.
She said: “The introduction of the UK Modern Slavery Act in 2016 has had limited impact on tackling human rights abuses by corporations, and there are moves to review and address these, including the recent Commercial and Public Authorities Duty (Human Rights and Environment) Bill put forward by Baroness Young of Hornsey.
“Global environmental and human rights due diligence legislation is moving apace, signalled most recently by the passing of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
“The truth is that many businesses still do not know where human rights risks lie. Nor do they know where to begin to find out where risks lie. Too many have their heads buried in a ‘compliance’ only approach.
“Still more are not significantly motivated by potential prosecutions and fines – although this is changing. This accelerator series is a great opportunity to engage with global experts to learn and to share.”
Shan Saba, director at Brightwork and a founder of SAMS, said: “The stats don’t lie and this issue is not going away so we hope as many people as possible sign up to the SAMS Human Rights in Supply Chain Accelerator Series to learn more and thereby improve the situation.
“Slavery is a global issue so listening to and learning from our international partners will be invaluable in our efforts to help ensure compliance, eliminate modern slavery, and support human rights.
“Since inception, SAMS has brought together the Scottish Government with over 56 businesses, charities, and NGOs, with the core aims of raising awareness of the problem, supporting survivors into positive employment opportunities and protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation.
“All areas of Scotland have reported cases of human trafficking – anyone can be susceptible, and it is happening in our towns, cities and rural communities, as well as in our global supply chains.”
Eight key areas to improve brain tumour diagnosis have been identified in Scotland following a roundtable discussion with healthcare experts.
The Brain Tumour Charity and Dxcover Ltd. facilitated a discussion with GPs, NHS representatives, researchers, the co-convenor of the Cross Party Group on Cancer and representatives from the Chief Scientist’s Office, to improve diagnosis for people with a suspected brain tumour.
Each year, more than 1000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system tumour (1), leading to urgent calls to prioritise better care and improve pathways to a faster diagnosis.
Following the discussion with the panel of experts in February 2024 and further research, a report was produced in partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity and Dxcover which identified eight key areas as having the most potential for improving brain tumour diagnosis.
They include ensuring that patients are monitored throughout their diagnosis until symptoms are explained or resolved, enabling optometrists to refer directly to neurology if a person presents with concerning visual symptoms and prioritising innovation to improve diagnosis of brain tumour.
12 recommendations have now been made to NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government about the changes required to ensure diagnosis pathways are effective.
The recommendations include providing guidelines to improve care and raise awareness of brain tumours, allowing opticians to refer directly to neurology and establishing a diagnostic/triage tool that would help diagnose people faster (2).
The roundtable also started a discussion on where a diagnostic tool would be most suitable in healthcare pathways. Dxcover Ltd is a Glasgow based company developing diagnostic tools for brain tumours and has developed a liquid biopsy test with artificial intelligence that could be used in the brain tumour diagnosis pathway.
The Brain Tumour Charity and Dxcover will continue to work with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure that people with a suspected brain tumour are prioritised and that the pathway to diagnosis is improved for patient benefit.
Cameron Miller, Director of External Affairs and Strategy at The Brain Tumour Charity said: “The recommendations we are suggesting to improve the brain tumour diagnosis pathway in Scotland are based on a fruitful and impactful discussion The Brain Tumour Charity and Dxcover initiated with Scottish healthcare professionals and policymakers.
“These are stepping stones to improving diagnosis for people living in Scotland and we are committed to ensuring that people facing a brain tumour diagnosis have the support they need to ensure they are diagnosed faster and have the quickest access to the best treatments available.”
Prof. Matthew J. Baker, CEO of Dxcover said: “Dxcover was founded to enable the earliest detection of cancer. We believe that the combination of Dxcover’s multi-omic spectral analysis and machine learning will lead to the greatest impact on patient recovery, lifespan and quality of life post-diagnosis.
“We have recently launched our EMBRACE study, a pan-Europe 2,200 patient performance evaluation of the Dxcover® Brain Cancer Liquid Biopsy which will enable CE marking and provide a much-needed tool for patients.”
BRIEFING from the Council Waste Team on the current bin collection backlog.
KEY POINTS:
Please do not put your blue glass box out for collection this week.
If your green recycling bin or grey non-recyclable waste bin has not been collected, please leave it at the kerbside and we’ll collect it as soon as we can.
Cllr Scott Arthur said: “As you may be aware, we are currently experiencing delays to kerbside wheelie bin collections (non-recyclable waste and mixed recycling bins) in some areas of the city due to unexpected staffing issues.
“There are a smaller number of delays relating to food waste collections.
Crews worked over the weekend to catch up on collections and will work hard to get the service back to normal as soon as possible, however delays are expected to last until the end of the week.
“To minimise the level of disruption and allow us to catch up on delays to these collections we are taking the following actions:
Suspending kerbside glass collections for this week. Residents due to have a blue glass box collection this week are being asked not to put their box out for collection. This service is expected to resume on Tuesday 4 June.
Anyone with a missed non-recyclable waste or mixed recycling bin collection should leave their bin out at the kerbside and we’ll collect it as soon as possible.
Food waste collections will take place as normal and residents should put their food caddies out on their normal collection day.
“Advice for residents and information on delays and affected areas is available on our website and social media updates will be sent out over the coming days: https://edinburgh.gov.uk/missedbin
“Please be assured that the service will be working hard to get back on track as soon as possible.”
