NEW PROGRAMME
HERE IS OUR NEW 2025 PROGRAMME
THIS IS OUR NEW PROGRAMME BEGINNING 13th JANUARY
PLEASE NOTE:
Any questions please contact us via Socials or on 0131 332 3356
NEW INDOOR SESSIONS AT CRAIGROYSTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Looking to introduce your wee ones to football this year? We have the answer!
Our Little Dribblers class for kids aged 3-4 years runs on both Saturdays and Sundays.
You can choose our new indoors session at Craigroyston Community High School on Saturdays or outdoors at Ainslie Park on a Sunday.
The UK Health Security Agency is reminding parents and carers of the simple steps they can take to ensure their children make the healthiest start to the new school term. The new year brings with it an opportunity to teach children about the importance of good hygiene and with the recent increase in cases of flu and high levels of other viruses such as norovirus, it’s more important than ever.
The latest surveillance data from UKHSA shows that flu activity continued to increase over the Christmas break, with hospitalisations also increasing. Flu is now circulating at high levels in the community, an increase on the levels we saw before the school holidays, which is why it’s especially important to reinforce good hygiene habits as children return to school.
Figures are expected to rise further as children go back to school and many parents return to the workplace. However, there are simple steps that all families can take to reduce the spread of these infections and protect households and classrooms from illness this New Year.
Teaching good hygiene habits
Parents are encouraged to lead by example and encourage good hygiene habits such as using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, as well as washing hands.
Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Alcohol gels don’t kill all bugs so don’t rely on these.
Knowing when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school
January marks the start of a new term, with new things to learn and friends to make. Time off school can disrupt learning and also inconvenience parents and carers having to stay off work. This is why it’s important to know when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school.
Children can stay in school with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature but should stay home if they’re displaying symptoms such as having a fever. If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, you should consider wearing a face covering.
Stopping the spread of stomach bugs
Stomach bugs spread easily in schools, nurseries and households. If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.
Alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and warm water is best. Don’t prepare food for others if you have diarrhoea or vomiting or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. If you are unwell, you should also avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection to those who are more vulnerable. Do not to return to school, nursery or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Getting vaccinated
Flu vaccination helps to protect against infection and severe disease. Although it is late in the programme, if you are eligible and not yet vaccinated, you can still take up your offer of immunisation.
Last year, falling vaccination rates among young children resulted in a widespread measles outbreak in England, which is why it’s important to check your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio. If parents are unsure of their child’s vaccination status, they can check their child’s red book or contact their local GP.
If you are pregnant, it’s also important that you take up all vaccinations offered to you, including whooping cough and the new RSV vaccine which protects newborn babies against serious illness.
Dr Richard Pebody, Director, Clinical & Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: “It’s an important time of year, as children get started on the new school term.
“There are simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of nasty illness in the next few weeks of winter, including making sure your child is regularly washing their hands, knowing when to keep your child off school and ensuring they are up to date with vaccinations.”
We hope that you have all had a great festive period!
It’s back to normal now at Corstorphine library so have a look at what we’ve got on this coming week.
We hope to see you soon!
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
These sessions will take place on Friday, January 24th, and Sunday, February 23rd, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours are designed for individuals who benefit from a quieter, more supportive experience, such as those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) or sensory sensitivities. Open to all visitors, these sessions ensure everyone can enjoy the full Dynamic Earth experience in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Dynamic Earth’s approach encourages visitors to learn and explore at their own pace, giving everyone the chance to fully enjoy everything this science centre and planetarium has to offer. This is why Dynamic Earth offers sensory adjustments throughout the entire day.
Sensory Adjustments on Relaxed Opening Hours Day:
Dynamic Earth invites visitors to join them for these upcoming sessions in 2025:
Tickets are now available for booking. Start the new year with a visit to a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired.
We have lots of events running over the Christmas holidays!
All are free and you don’t need to book so come along and join in the fun!
In spring 2025 the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 9 of its investigations: The provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities.
SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.
The organisations involved in the provision of such residential accommodation included the National Health Service, local authorities, voluntary providers, and private providers.
The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at those establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.
This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.
Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture; these will also be explored during the case study.
The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
It may include evidence from a range of other witnesses in relation to a number of particular establishments. Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA.
At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday 24 January 2025.
What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures.
Application forms are also available on the website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.
Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.
SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is now available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support
Seventeen establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study:
| School | Provider | Location |
| Children’s Home | Algrade Trust | Humbie |
| Donaldson’s School for Deaf Children | The Donaldson Trust | Edinburgh |
| Harmeny School | Harmeny Education Trust | Balerno |
| Ladyfield East Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Hannahfield Hall Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Ladyfield West Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Eskdale House Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital | NHS Dumfries & Galloway | Dumfries |
| Lendrick Muir School | Seamab | Rumbling Bridge |
| Lennox Castle Hospital | NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and East Dunbartonshire Council | Lennoxtown, Glasgow |
| Linnwood Hall Children’s Home | Fife Council | Leven |
| Melville House | Fife Council | Cupar |
| Monken Hadley / Corsbie Hall / Woodlands School | Independent | Newton Stewart |
| Ovenstone Residential School | Fife Council | Pittenweem |
| Royal Blind School | Royal Blind | Edinburgh |
| Royal Scottish National Hospital | NHS Forth Valley | Larbert |
| Starley Hall School | Independent | Burntisland |
| St Joseph’s Hospital | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Rosewell |
| St Mary’s Balnakeil | Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God | Galashiels |
| St Vincent’s School for the Deaf and Blind | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Tollcross, Glasgow |
| Woodfield Ladymary School | Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd | Colinton, Edinburgh |
Fort Kinnaird has revealed the successful candidate in its search for a new Chief Christmas Officer (CCO) – with six-year-old Ruari from East Lothian appointed in the inaugural role.
Ruari was recruited to try out the wealth of retailers and festive experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty seasonal treats and bagging plenty of Christmas goodies to make sure they’re fit for a fun-filled festive season.
Ruari’s application stood out to Fort Kinnaird due to his volunteering efforts from a young age and passion for helping others, that the team felt should be rewarded. Ruari volunteers for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) with his granny, helping to collect cans and support at craft stalls. He has also encouraged his school to take part in fundraising for CHAS at Christmas over the last few years too.
Ruari spent a full day at the centre this week, testing out the diverse range of activities available. From watching seasonal favourite, Home Alone, at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s.
After sampling the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat, Ruari also got to test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind – and even got to take one home!
He said: “When Mummy told me I was going to be Chief Christmas Officer for Fort Kinnaird I felt really excited and happy – it was such a fun visit!”
Mum Sarah added: “Ruari knows being kind is the most important thing you can be and to have his efforts recognised in this way is really special.
“I’m so grateful to the team at Fort Kinnaird for making the day so much fun.”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We had some wonderful applications for our Chief Christmas Officer role, and were blown away by the number of entries and everyone’s passion for the job!
“It was a difficult decision to select just one candidate, but Ruari stood out as a brilliant choice for us and he’s done a great job in putting our festive fun to the test.
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance our visitor experience, and we’d like to thank Ruari for helping us to do just that.”
For more information on the stores available at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
The NSPCC’s Childline service is anticipating thousands of children and young people reaching out to them for help and support across the upcoming festive period, with counsellors available around the clock throughout the holidays.
Over the 12 Days of Christmas last year (24th December 2023 to 4th January 2024) Childline delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children living across the UK, averaging out at more than 450 a day.
As throughout the rest of the year, problems with mental health and wellbeing is the main reason why children and young people contact Childline.
However, there are also recurring issues and worries arising that are more specific to the festive season including:
One girl from Scotland aged 18 told Childline: “I’m feeling very on edge right now as all the family is home for Christmas. They’re all in a room laughing and drinking, but any time I try to say anything they just talk right over me, like I don’t exist.
“I’m now in my room alone, so I thought I’d come on here for a chat.”
Another girl from Scotland aged 15 told Childline: “I feel like a failure whenever I eat something cos my brain tells me that not eating is the only thing I’m good at – and in a way it’s true.
“I’m worried about Christmas tomorrow as there is obviously going to be lots of food and my parents don’t know that I’ve been struggling a lot with it. I don’t know what to do.”
Childline bases across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Cardiff, will be in operation throughout the Christmas period, filled with both full-time staff and volunteers.
Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline and based at the Aberdeen base, said: “Childline will be there, as always, to help the thousands of children who contact us by phone and online over the festive period.
“We know Christmas can be a difficult time for some children and young people when they are spending more time at home.
“This time of year, can cause added stress to family life such as financial worries, arguments, and adults drinking a lot of alcohol.
“Whatever they may be worried about we’d like to reassure children and young people that our trained counsellors will be there to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and into the New Year.”
Adam Perry (36) from Glasgow has been a volunteer at the city’s Childline base since January this year.
He’s doing a shift on Christmas Eve for the first time and said: “Children have got all sorts of things going on in their lives, and often they are trying to cope with so much that’s happening to them.
“Someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that.
“At the end of every shift at Childline you feel like you’ve made a positive difference for at least one child, often more. To be honest there’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.
“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period, children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”
This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day.
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Teddy’s Wish, in partnership with Sands, is funding a pioneering research project led by Dr Sarah Murray at the University of Edinburgh.
This vital initiative aims to investigate how environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, temperature variations, and air pollution, impact the risk of stillbirth.
Around 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth every day in the UK and 2,680 of these deaths were stillbirths in 2022. More children die around the time of birth than at any other time of childhood, yet only 2.4% of UK health research funds go to reproductive health and childbirth.1
Philanthropic funding is vital in enabling Sands to fulfil its mission to end baby deaths and help families rebuild their lives. For over a decade, Teddy’s Wish has been committed to supporting Sands in memory of Jen and Chris Reid’s beloved baby, Eddie.
Through their generosity, Sands has been able to advance research aimed at understanding why some babies die unexpectedly. The Environmental Influences on Stillbirth project will explore how the environment a woman is exposed to during pregnancy affects both maternal and fetal health.
Jen Reid,Co-Founder and CEO of Teddy’s Wish said: “Teddy’s Wish is committed to funding research that brings us closer to understanding and preventing baby loss. We are delighted to be jointly funding this important research project with Sands to explore the impact of environmental influences on stillbirth with the hope that more babies will be delivered safely.”
The link between environmental factors and stillbirth has not yet been studied in-depth in UK populations. This research will link environmental data with comprehensive Scottish maternity records, providing a robust dataset to study potential environmental risk factors.
Dr Murray, Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This work is a step forward in understanding the complex and unknown factors that may contribute to stillbirth.
“Our findings could inform future public health guidelines and targeted interventions, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution.”
The research has the potential to reduce stillbirth rates across the UK by providing clinicians with clearer understanding of how the environment impacts on pregnancy and the baby’s wellbeing. The research insights could help people in government and the NHS improve maternity care for pregnant women and babies.
Janet Scott, Sands’ Head of Saving Babies’ Lives team, said: “Through this research, Sands and Teddy’s Wish aim to support advances in the health of babies and mothers, reducing the devastating impact of stillbirth on families across the country.
“Thank you to Teddy’s Wish for your unwavering support in helping save more babies’ lives and transform the life of future generations of families.”
Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.
