Month: June 2024

Major study reveals reading habits of Scottish pupils

·     Nationwide study from Renaissance, including over 37,000 pupils from Scotland, reveals a 4.4% decrease in the number of books read by pupils year-on-year

·     Decline in reading hits Scottish secondary students, with those in years S2-S4 reading at a level three years behind their chronological age, but increasing daily reading time could offer significant improvements in attainment

·     Children search for more representative and aspirational role models, as books by Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sanchez and Bryan Patrick Avery top the reading charts

The annual ‘What Kids Are Reading Report’, a nationwide study including over 37,000 pupils in Scotland from leading edtech provider, Renaissance, shows a 4.4% year-on-year decrease in the number of books being read by children from P1 to S4.

For the last 16 years, the report has tracked the book-reading habits of the nation’s pupils, and this is the first time, outside of the first year of the pandemic, there has been a decline in the number of books read since research began in 2008. 26,114,262 books were read by 1,273,795 pupils in the 2022-2023 academic year[1] compared to 27,265,657 by 1,282,647 pupils in the previous academic year[2].

The downturn in book reading echoes similar findings in declining reading attainment shown in longitudinal research[3] on post-pandemic learning recovery from Renaissance and the Educational Policy Institute (EPI).

Additional research[4] from Renaissance and GL Assessment shows teachers believe a third (33%) of their pupils are weak readers and that children are struggling to keep up with the curriculum due to their reading ability. A quarter (26%) of pupils are taken out of class for reading support with, on average, half a day of curriculum time per week given to helping students read.

Secondary reading slump in Scottish schools, but more reading time leads to higher attainment

Reading decline is particularly acute in secondary schools. The report finds pupils read harder books as they get older, but during secondary school there is a downturn. In Scotland, year P6 pupils are reading at their chronological age. In year P7 pupils are suddenly reading a year behind their chronological age, in year S1 two years behind, and in years S2-S4 at least three years behind.

With this sharp drop comes a decline in understanding, with pupils in primary schools also consistently showed a higher quality of comprehension when reading.

However, the research also confirms the link between more reading time in school with higher reading attainment. When considering Engaged Reading Time (ERT) and Cumulative Number of Words Read (see Figure 3), we see further evidence of the impact of the time spent reading – the more time is allocated to reading, the greater the number of words read, with the biggest gains occurring when ERT exceeds 30 minutes per day.

Additionally presented in the What Kids Are Reading report are findings from a survey[5] of 71,351 pupils by the National Literacy Trust (NLT). With these figures showing a 26% decrease in the number of children reading daily in their free time since 2005, time devoted to reading in the classroom is more important than ever. NLT data shows pupils’ enjoyment of reading in their free time at the lowest level since 2005 and is lowest among those receiving free school meals (39.5%) compared to those who don’t (43.8%).

Reading role models: favourite books 2024

The What Kids Are Reading report reveals trends and pupils’ attitudes towards popular authors and books. Alongside popular fantasy and light-hearted fiction, this year’s New Entrants to the list of children’s favourite/most read authors/books showed a trend in children turning to books to find more representative and aspirational role models.

Footballer turned author Marcus Rashford is an inspiring role model, well-known for his advocacy and work for free school meals. His book series, The Breakfast Club Adventures, draws on his own experiences at breakfast clubs and the support they provided to him and his family growing up.

Another new entrant to the top list, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara’s Little People, BIG DREAMS series focuses on leading lights through history, from Marie Curie to Frida Kahlo. And Bryan Patrick Avery’s Black Men in Science focuses on Black men in history who have contributed to scientific developments.

The What Kids Are Reading Report was written using Renaissance data analysed by Professor Keith Topping from the University of Dundee. 

Commenting on the overall decline in reading: “There are a number of possible reasons for the decline, but the high number of pupils persistently absent from school post-Covid is likely to be the biggest factor. This is especially true in secondary school as these pupils are more likely to be weaker readers.

“The key takeaway from this report is that more reading practice at an appropriate level of difficulty improves pupils’ reading performance, with more reading time in school leading to higher reading attainment.

“This has a knock-on impact on academic performance across the board. Focusing on comprehension and finding books they genuinely love will benefit pupils within and beyond the classroom.  Schools and parents can support students by encouraging them to read often and consume more challenging books.”

Crispin Chatterton, former teacher and Director of Education at Renaissance, commented, “Despite the dip in overall reading levels, there is still much to celebrate in terms and depth and breadth of the books being read across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

“The What Kids Are Reading report identifies which books and authors are most engaging pupils. This is vital information for teachers to ensure pupils are reading books they really enjoy. When reading for pleasure, pupils are more likely to pay close attention to the content and it encourages a love of reading which stretches beyond their school years.

“It’s great to see children turning to books to find more representative and aspirational role models in this year’s report. We hope this means all children can see themselves reflected in the literature they consume, and that reading can support the development of a more inclusive and understanding society.”

Access the ‘What Kids Are Reading’ 2024 report here: 

www.whatkidsarereading.co.uk

Charity and rail partners promise SWIFT action to challenge sexual harassment

Crimestoppers asks people to speak up as Scotland rail bosses promise ‘SWIFT’ action on sexual harassment

  • Campaign launched to reach thousands travelling to Taylor Swift in Edinburgh and encouraging reporting, helping to make sure there is no unsafe space on Scotland’s railways

Crimestoppers Scotland is joining with Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) Scotland and the rail industry to tackle sexual harassment by ensuring people understand what constitutes such behaviour.

The campaign will also inform people of the action they can take to report sexual harassment if they witness it – thereby helping to combat it.

With over 200,000 Taylor Swift fans attending concerts over three nights, Scotland’s rail and transport networks will be extremely busy.

Government research shows that 84% of women and 60% of men in the UK population have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

To tackle this, the rail industry is raising awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment with a Scotland-wide social media campaign, information distributed at Scotland’s stations – including on big screens – to report instances where they feel unsafe. This will make it clear to perpetrators that their behaviour is not tolerated on the railway.

That’s why independent charity Crimestoppers, alongside Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group and Scotland’s Railway expects that promoting a shared understanding of what sexual harassment looks like will help people who see or experience it gain the confidence to speak.

This will help ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and BTP is encouraging reporting to give them a greater opportunity to detect and punish offenders.

Angela Parker, National Manager of charity Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “Our charity believes that everyone has the right to feel safe, and that includes when travelling on public transport.

“We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable summer but often sexual harassment can be frightening and traumatising, spoiling what should be a fun and memorable event. That’s why we’re working with partners to ensure everyone knows what constitutes sexual harassment and how they can report safely and anonymously.

“Our charity has equipped all of Scotland’s railway stations with sexual harassment calling cards and information.

“If you are uncomfortable about reporting someone you know who is responsible for sexual harassment, remember that you can speak up completely anonymously by calling the railway’s sexual harassment line which is powered by Crimestoppers on 0800 783 0137.

“We guarantee no one will ever know you contacted us and you will be helping to protect others from the harm caused by this unacceptable criminal behaviour.”

Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable on our railway and in wider society.

“This summer is a busy time for our network, especially with three Taylor Swift concerts in Edinburgh. We want everyone to feel safe and confident that they can use the railway without feeling harassed, violated, or intimidated.

“This campaign will contribute to making Scotland’s Railway safer, ensuring people understand what constitutes sexual harassment and what actions they can take to directly report sexual harassment to Crimestoppers and partners.

“We are working closely with Crimestoppers, BTP and the wider rail industry to demonstrate how we can all play our part in keeping each other safe”.

Chris  Shields, Chief Inspector, British Transport Police said: “Sexual harassment is anything that makes you or anybody else feel uncomfortable with a sexual element.

“This campaign is about educating people on what is not acceptable and how to report it, so we can work together to make the rail network a hostile environment for sexual harassment. Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build an accurate picture of an offender and take action.

“We need to work together with the community to tackle this behaviour and create this hostile environment to discourage people from behaving in this manner.

“If you look at the root cause of some the behaviours around sexual assault it all stems from sexual harassment.

“We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment to text us on 61016, whether something is happening at the time or has happened recently.

“Save 61016 in your phone, so you have the number to hand should you ever need us. No report is too small or trivial, and we will always take you seriously.”

Rubbish will pile up in Edinburgh streets during Festival if waste and recycling workers strike, says UNISON

Waste and recycling workers in Edinburgh are being balloted for strike action over a pay dispute.

UNISON, Scotland’s largest local government union, has notified City of Edinburgh Council today (Monday) that official strike ballot papers will be sent out next Monday (June 10). The ballot will close three weeks later (July 1).

If workers vote to strike, rubbish will pile up in the streets during the Edinburgh Festival and other summer events.

The union says the current pay offer from Cosla to local government workers falls significantly short of what they deserve, and well below the pay claim that unions submitted earlier this year.

UNISON Edinburgh branch secretary David Harrold said: “If workers vote to strike, rubbish will pile up on the streets again at the Edinburgh Festival – one of Scotland’s truly global events.

“The last thing anyone wants to do is take strike action, but local government workers deserve a fair increase to stop their pay lagging behind inflation and other sectors in the economy. This is about more than just waste workers, we are standing together for fair pay for every council worker in the country.”

UNISON regional organiser Greig Kelbie said: “I would urge every waste worker in the ballot to look for their ballot envelope and return it as soon as possible.

We need to send a clear and resounding message that we demand a fair deal for all council workers. Together, we can make a difference for every council worker who deserves fair pay.”

  • Cosla pay offer read here
  • UNISON pay claim read here

Drylaw attack: Man arrested

A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder which happened Groathill Road North, Edinburgh around 2.30pm last Wednesday, 29 May, 2024.

A 41-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Volunteer Week: Edinburgh Leisure celebrates its unsung heroes

As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (Monday, 3rd – Sunday, 9th June), Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a thank you on Thursday, 6th June at Meadowbank Sports Centre for their unsung heroes and their unwavering commitment and all they do to help create a more active and healthier city.

National Volunteer Week recognises and celebrates the contributions volunteers make across the UK and inspires more people to make a difference.

Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explains: “Our volunteers play a vital role in making a difference to people’s lives, providing the help and support people need to be active.

“In the last few years, our volunteers have grown from 120 in 2022-2023 to 140 in 2023-2024. We’ve also expanded the volunteering roles from five to nine and include buddy swimming, walk leaders and Instructor Assistants.”

Teresa, 66, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteers explains why she got involved and her journey from participant to volunteer. She grew up in Edinburgh’s Craigmillar area and has always enjoyed staying active.

She used the old Meadowbank Sports Centre (“going back a few years”) for aerobics classes, badminton, and training for the West Highland Way with her sister-in-law.

Teresa was previously a participant in Edinburgh Leisure’s Steady Steps programme, which is a physical activity referral programme for anyone who has had a fall or is at risk of having a fall. After falling and breaking her wrist, she completed half her sessions in person and the rest online when COVID-19 hit.

Here she tells us about her journey from participant to volunteer:

“I worked with Scottish Gas for 36 years and as part of my job I supported community initiatives. We had days where we could volunteer, and I used them to support the Royal Blind School. That was when I first became interested in volunteering.

When I finished my Steady Steps classes, my instructor Mari asked me if I would like to become a volunteer. I investigated it and was surprised to find out that Edinburgh Leisure has so many different volunteer roles. I decided to volunteer with Steady Steps and another Active Communities class, Get Active, which encourages inactive people to become and stay active.

“Not only does volunteering help me keep physically fit but it’s also good for my mental wellbeing.  I love the community and camaraderie in classes, getting to know people and learning new things.

“I like that the participants find me approachable and when they call me by my name it shows they remember me, and I feel valued.

“The education sessions and the volunteer training days about dementia and visual impairment I’ve taken part in have broadened my knowledge. I get as much out of volunteering as the participants do.

“I would encourage others who are considering volunteering to give it a go as it’s so rewarding. Recently, after my class had finished, a few of us were having a laugh while getting packed up.

“It was only when we got to the front door of Meadowbank that one of the participants realised she had left her Zimmer frame in the studio. For me this is a good example of how physical activity can improve health, even in older people, and give them confidence to get out and do more”.

No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer at Edinburgh Leisure, training and support is provided. To find out more and get involved, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-with-us/become-a-volunteer or contact stephenhughes@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Barratt supports Corstorphine pupils during Walk to School Week

To mark national Walk to School Week, Barratt Developments East Scotland encouraged participation at Corstorphine Primary School by donating a selection of high-vis items to pupils in P1 and P2.

The school held its annual Hands Up survey to find out how pupils normally travelled to school – encouraging those who use vehicles to try walking for the week.

Barratt Developments East Scotland is currently developing Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes sites at West Craigs in north-west Edinburgh.

The Walk to School Week initiative further demonstrates the housebuilder’s commitment to supporting schools in the local community.

Choudhury: “Organisations should implement anti-racism strategies”

Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury MSP has sponsored an ‘Anti-Racism in the Third and Voluntary Sector’ drop-in session at the Scottish Parliament, imploring organisations to integrate their own anti-racist strategies.

North Edinburgh Arts, with support from Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, presented their work to other third sector and voluntary organisations on delivering North Edinburgh Arts’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan. 

North Edinburgh Arts have focused their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work across 2023/2024 on race and have worked with two black led organisations, Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, in the development of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

As part of this work, North Edinburgh Arts have developed an anti-racist statement:

“North Edinburgh Arts condemns all forms of racism and discrimination, including anti-Blackness, and will not tolerate racist language, hate speech, or abusive behaviours on our premises or online spaces.”

They have also developed an anti-racism plan which includes steps such as staff training. Learning about the work North Edinburgh Arts have done with Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza, MSP Choudhury says, was a fantastic example of what more organisations should be doing to tackle racism.

Mr Choudhury said: “”The third sector plays an important role in shaping a more diverse, tolerant and equal society.

“Watching the presentation from North Edinburgh Arts, Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza showed us what can be achieved in the third sector, to ensure that our organisations are not only non-racist, but break down racist barriers to ensure they are truly anti-racist.

“We had very insightful discussions at the session about how other third sector and voluntary organisations can implement anti-racism, learning from the work which has been done by these three fantastic organisations.

“The clear call from this event was that anti-racism is something that we should all take it upon ourselves to implement-we must work together, not leave anti-racist work solely to black-led or ethnic minority organisations.

“We must condemn all forms of racism and discrimination and continue working to ensure our spaces and services reflect, welcome and celebrate our diverse communities.”

Kate Wimpress, Director of North Edinburgh Arts, said following the event: “Working with Passion4Fusion and Project Esperanza on our anti-racist statement and plan has been a wholly positive and enlightening process.

“Many thanks to them for their generosity and support. NEA better understands the corrosive nature of racism and the part we must all play to shape a more diverse, tolerant, and respectful society.”

Helene Rodger, Project Director of Passion4Fusion, said following the event: “Anti-racism practices aim to level the playing field and ensure equal access to opportunities across all sectors, regardless of race or ethnicity . 

“This is key to achieving the vision of a Scotland where “wealth and power are more equally spread.”

Victoria Nyanga-Ndiaye, CEO of Project Esperanza, said following the event: “At Project Esperanza; we have been listening to the voices of families from Black and Multi Ethnic Communities about their experiences, concerns and frustrations with racism in schools and health and social care services; as well as about how complaints are handled.

“We are amplifying those voices through the work that we do to challenge racist systems and work practices, as well as to challenge the gatekeeping that happens within systems, which ultimately harm Black and Brown communities.

“We do this in order to shape a truly welcoming, fairer and safer Scotland that is culturally literate and migrant friendly and it is important that third sector organisations unite in anti-racism efforts in Scotland, because we work frontline and centre daily with the communities affected by all forms of racism”.

Scottish Building Society CEO Paul Denton recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award

SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY CEO Paul Denton has been recognised for his services to the banking and mortgage sector with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The prestigious accolade was presented at a ceremony at the Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards 2024, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh last week, which celebrated mortgage lenders and products across the country.

Paul first entered into the industry when he joined the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Forfar Branch following school in July 1988. From there he excelled in numerous roles, holding positions as Area Manager for West Fife and then Regional Manager for Aberdeen.

He then became Head of Sales for RBS and NatWest, before supporting the Coop Bank in 2013 following the financial crash.

In 2019 Paul joined Scottish Building Society, a mutual organisation run by and for its members, where he has led the organisation to almost double its balance sheet while delivering a personal approach to service at the same time.

Paul has also held roles across the wider industry, representing building societies and Scotland on the UK Finance Mortgage Board and the FCA Small Business Practitioner Panel, as well as being a Member of the Bank of England’s Scotland agency panel.

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “I am incredibly proud to receive this recognition and it is truly humbling to take home the Lifetime Achievement Award. I’d like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years and those who have supported me throughout my career.

“I’ve been privileged to work alongside many dedicated professionals who share a commitment to helping people achieve their financial dreams, and this award is a testament to them also.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and shortlisted entries at the Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards who all contribute massively to creating a resilient mortgage sector in Scotland, and I am looking forward to supporting the industry further as we move forward.”

Dalry assault: Do you know this man?

POLICE have issued an image of a man they believe may have information that can assist with an investigation into an assault outside a premises on Dalry Road.

The incident took place shortly after 12.30pm on Saturday, 11 May, 2024.

The man is described as being black, 6ft 2, stocky build, with a short afro and black beard. He was wearing a black hat, black shiny jacket, black cargo trousers and black trainers. He was seen riding an electric bike.

Constable Pete Shannon, of Wester Hailes Police Station, said: “We are eager to talk to the man in this image, as we believe he may be able to assist our enquiries into this incident, and we urge anyone who may recognise him to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1590 of 11 May, 2024, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Scottish beaches recognised for environmental excellence

More than 50 beaches have been recognised for their environmental excellence with a Scotland’s Beach Award.

The award, now in its 32nd year, celebrates the achievements of well-managed beaches across the country, ensuring visitors and local residents can choose where they want to visit with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for both the people who enjoy it and the environment.

A total of 51 beaches have received an award this year.

Scotland’s beaches are lynchpins of communities across the country, with stunning beauty spots ranging from rural to urban areas providing an attraction for people from across the country and beyond to come and enjoy.

Fife once again has the most award winners, with 13 beaches receiving an award. Furthermore Dornoch Beach, located in the Highlands, celebrates its 30th consecutive year of award wins.

Jamie Ormiston, KSB’s Training and Accreditation Coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to announce the winners of Scotland’s Beach Awards 2024.

“This award is the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches. Our award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and I’d like to thank all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy.

“Scotland’s beaches are for everyone to enjoy and we hope that people do  so responsibly and keep them beautiful for us all.

“Every year we are delighted at the standard of Scotland’s Beach Award winners across the country, especially as beach managers and local communities are battling increased erosion and more regular devasting winter storms, often with limited resources.

“Not only are they able to keep our beaches open and accessible, they are also maintaining facilities to a high standard and supporting local people and visitors to take action for the environment. It really is inspiring to witness.”

Jeremy Harris, CEO at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “Once again Fife has the most award-winning beaches in Scotland. This is testament to our dedicated team who deliver the high standards that locals and visitors have come to expect.

“It’s a privilege to work with partners such as Keep Scotland Beautiful, Fife Council and the RNLI to ensure the Fringe of Gold tops the beach charts. And I’m delighted that Leven Beach is once again included, where we expect to welcome many more visitors now that the Levenmouth Rail Link has gone live.”

In order to achieve Scotland’s Beach Award, a range of criteria must be met, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.

Focusing on local environmental quality, the award is designed to complement the work undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality. The full criteria can be accessed here.