Download a copy of our new Autumn Programme today: https://pycp.co.uk/…/2024/08/autumn-2024-pro_64937965.pdf
Remember every child needs a NEW consent form for the start of the term.
You can pick them up from the project to complete or email info@pycp.co.uk and ask for online forms to be sent to you.
Remember we need you to complete one for EACH child so tell us hwo many you have wanting to come to clubs and groups.
PLEASE SHARE with all your family and friends.
PY Staff Team
Letter distributed to all Craigroyston Community High School Parents/Carers this week regarding school attendance:
FREE MONDAY MORNING SESSIONS FOR NORTH EDINBURGH FAMILIES
Join our new family-friendly cycling group in North Edinburgh! 
Explore the local area on short rides led by two qualified cycle leaders on Monday mornings. We’ve still got places for our next session on Monday 2 September at 10am.
We have a limited number of bikes available to borrow – just let us know your needs when booking! All children must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult.
These sessions are FREE for residents of Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton, and Drylaw. Priority will be given to local community members and NEA Members.
Find out more and book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/932360925627
As Scottish Child Health Week begins next week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families across Scotland to take immediate steps to protect their children from three significant but often overlooked household hazards: blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, warns: “Blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates can pose serious risks to young children, and tragically, they have caused fatalities, so we’re calling on all parents and caregivers to take action now.
“Securing blind cords out of reach, storing small magnets safely, and ensuring stair gates are properly installed and used could prevent these potential disasters.”
Blind Cord Safety
Blind cords are a hidden but deadly hazard in many homes. Since 2001, over 30 young children in the UK have died as a result of becoming entangled in blind cords. These cords, which are often within easy reach of toddlers, can lead to strangulation within seconds.
“To prevent such tragedies, it’s crucial to keep all blind cords out of children’s reach,” advises Philip.
“This can be done by tying them up, using a cord safety device, or choosing blinds with built-in safety features like tensioned or cordless designs. Additionally, parents should regularly check that cords are securely fastened and never leave furniture that children can climb on near windows with blinds.”
Magnet Safety
Small, powerful magnets, particularly those used in toys, can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. These magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, leading to serious injuries such as blockages, perforations, and even death.
“Even one loose magnet can pose a severe threat if ingested,” says Le Shirley.
“Parents should be vigilant about inspecting toys for loose or missing magnets, especially in toys designed for older children that may still be accessible to younger siblings. It’s also important to keep small magnetic items like fridge magnets, building kits, and certain household tools well out of reach of young children. If you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet, seek immediate medical attention—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.”
Stair Gate Safety
Stair gates are essential safety devices for children under 24 months old, to prevent dangerous falls. However, they can only protect if installed and used correctly.
“A stair gate that is improperly installed or left open is essentially useless,” Philip emphasises. “Ensure that gates are securely mounted at the top and bottom of stairs or at the entrance to rooms and that they fit tightly without gaps. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used at the top of stairs due to the risk of displacement.
“It’s also important to teach older children and visitors how to operate the gate correctly to ensure it remains closed when needed. Regularly check the gates for signs of wear, such as loose fittings or weakened locking mechanisms, and replace them if necessary.”
RoSPA remains dedicated to reducing accidents in the home and raising awareness of these preventable dangers. For more detailed advice on keeping your children safe, visit RoSPA’s website.
SUNDAY 1st SEPTEMBER from 1 – 4pm
Gavin Menzies, a 38-year-old from Carrick Knowe, has graduated with a Master’s degree in Play Therapy from Queen Margaret University. His journey to this achievement is remarkable, as he put his career and studies on hold to help people in Ukraine during the war.
Within weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion, Gavin travelled to Kyiv to support children who had lost their families and to provide end-of-life care to the elderly. Despite the risks, he was determined to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the conflict.
Before his involvement in Ukraine, Gavin ran support businesses for children in Edinburgh. The pandemic highlighted the complex challenges faced by the children he worked with, prompting him to study the MSc Play Therapy at Queen Margaret University.
This course, run in collaboration with the specialist play therapy organisation With Kids, equipped him with the skills to better support young people. Due to his volunteering in Ukraine and his local commitments, he studied the course part-time over three years.
Since the full-scale invasion, Gavin has made several trips to Ukraine to provide vital supplies. During his time there, he supplied clothing, supplies and Christmas presents to over 600 orphans in Odessa.
Once home in Edinburgh, Gavin continued to provide vital support to the orphaned group of children by maintaining their extraordinary connection online. His volunteering also allowed him to apply the knowledge gained from his course to enhance his ability to serve children with complex needs in his local community.
As a former player with the Pleasance Basketball Club, Gavin uses sport to give children a head start in life. His High Flyers Basketball Academy has grown to provide coaching to 300 kids across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Gavin opted to use the last year to focus on his Master’s course to ensure that he was better qualified to support his groups of children.
This July, he graduated from Queen Margaret University with a MA Play Therapy with merit. However, the ongoing plight of the Ukrainian people weighed heavily on his mind.
Now with his Master’s degree firmly under his belt, he has returned to Ukraine and is currently working to rebuild and revamp the orphanage in Odessa and volunteer in Kharkiv, where Russian forces have made gains these last few months.
He has just delivered supplies to a medical representative at an outpost in Kharkiv, and in the last few days, he has also been supporting orphans in Kyiv while drone attacks and bombing takes place all around them.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Gavin’s selfless dedication to supporting the next generation through sport is what ultimately motivated him to come to QMU and study the MSc Play Therapy.
“Gavin’s drive and determination to make a positive impact on people’s lives epitomises the values of QMU. He is an inspiration and a true local hero.”
Gavin received his Master’s award at a graduation ceremony attended by QMU’s Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith CBE.
He has now secured a position as a play therapist with the charity With Kids, and continues to blend this work with his holiday camps and basketball clubs, while still volunteering in Ukraine.
Under 5s classes starting soon here at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre ! 
Morning classes will be running on Fridays from 6th September! 
Starting from 18 months up to 5 years old, Super Strikers bring fun football to toddlers across Edinburgh every week! Come along to learn new skills, make friends & score goals!
More information and booking here:-
Demand for preloved uniform is greater than ever!
Hosting a drop-off point for the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank is a fantastic way to support your community and help ensure that all children have access to necessary school clothing.
All that’s needed is for us to place a basket and signage in your allocated space, we will advertise it and ensure it is emptied regularly.
If you have a business or community space and you’d like to get involved, please contact us:
Thank You
CONSULTATION ANALYSIS PUBLISHED
Last year the Scottish Government launched a consultation on a proposed Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
Find out what people told @ScotGov in the independent consultation report:
https://bit.ly/LDAN_BillConsultationAnalysis
Find alternative formats of our consultation document here:
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this weekend will be on a roll at the East Lothian attraction’s brand-new family festival. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands on activities at 360 Fest on Saturday 31 August.
The one-day event offers family fun for all ages. Cycle stunt team The Clan will perform extreme jumps, flips and tricks on the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield. Cycling UK will also be on site with e-bikes, cargo bikes and family friendly kit to take for a spin and visitors inspired to take a turn can try a bespoke pump track, courtesy of The Dirt Factory.
Scotland’s Concorde will provide a unique backdrop for sensational pop-up circus performances from Think Circus. Families can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Zorbing, a pop-up planetarium, giant bubbles and circle-themed crafts and activities complete the packed 360 Fest programme.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: ““We’re excited to launch this brand-new family festival at the National Museum of Flight. This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together.
“Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.”
All of the other attractions at the National Museum of Flight will be available to enjoy on the day including iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its arrival at the Museum this year.
Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly. There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
360 Fest
Saturday 31 August, 11:00-16:00 (Museum open 10:00-17:00)
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF
Tickets are available to book at nms.ac.uk/360Fest
Due to event capacity, advance booking is required to ensure entry.
Admission: Adult (16+) £15.50 Concession £13.50, Child (5-15) £10.50, under 5’s free.
National Museums Scotland members free with pre-booked ticket.
15% off when you book as a family. Discount automatically applied in basket when you buy up to three Child 5-15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult, Over 65s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets.
