Tag: education

Letters: History lessons must be learned

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Dear Editor

The Conservatives have been in power for six years: in that time they have made the majority of people pay in so many ways for the financial crisis that was not of their making. The financial institutions, unscrupulous investors and some very dodgy dealers were the culprits – and they have got away with it.

The Conservatives have not only made the people pay but have also taken the opportunity to pursue their cherished aims of privatising as much as possible, changing society in favour of investors once again. Their main political objective is the breaking of local authority control of public services, initially financially – followed by privately-run services.

Their latest move in England – making all schools into ‘free’ Academies without any reference to the democratic principle of local council elections determined by the people.

Changing a school name is meaningless, but ‘free’ is a very divisive move. It will pit school against school for staff, grants and finding; it will be divisive on pay and conditions offered, divisive on schools in poorer and better-off areas.

So far this applies only to schools in England, but it is better to be forewarned.

This step into the past is very dangerous to all that has been struggled for over generations of activity to make society fair and caring, able to exercise it’s right to decision-making.

The Conservatives are proving over and over again they can never represent the interests of the majority of people.

A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens

Craigroyston Community Centre faces closure – again

Community annexe at High School under threat

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Members of Craigroyston Community High School’s Community Centre management committee have e-mailed politicians to seek support to save the school’s community wing. Continue reading Craigroyston Community Centre faces closure – again

Calling all spring chickens: roost at Royston Wardieburn!

Lynn and Lydia are developing a seven week pilot programme for adults in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre …

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The purpose of the new pilot is to give adults a chance to try different activities which we hope we will be able to provide on a more permanent basis after the summer.  At this stage we are calling the group Spring Chickens although the group may decide to change it at a later date! Continue reading Calling all spring chickens: roost at Royston Wardieburn!

Sums? Edinburgh College must do better

College faces £3.3 million funding shortfall

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Edinburgh College faces ‘severe financial challenges’ according to a report presented to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday. The report says the College ‘will face extreme financial difficulties without further financial support.’ Continue reading Sums? Edinburgh College must do better

New Childcare Academy taster courses announced

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We now have new dates available for our Mini Childcare Taster course: 

Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th April: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Child Development

Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th June: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Communication

We have a few free places for young people still at school who are ineligible for ILA funding. Please see attached posters with further information. If you would like to book a place, please complete the attached booking form.

Audrey O’Neill

Training Administrator

North Edinburgh Childcare, 18b Ferry Road Avenue

SHORT COURSE BOOKING FORM – New

MCT 13.04.16

MCT 8.06.16

Academies students cook up a treat for school teachers

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Budding young chefs have cooked up a treat for their school head teachers at Edinburgh College, learning in a real restaurant environment as part of a scheme to bridge school, college, university and work. Continue reading Academies students cook up a treat for school teachers

Thousands of vulnerable children may be losing out

Concern over ‘major disparities’ between local authorities

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Thousands of Scottish children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN), such as those with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, autism and care experience, may not be getting the support they are entitled to according to a coalition of leading independent and third sector children’s services providers. Continue reading Thousands of vulnerable children may be losing out

Education, education, education …

Improving excellence and equity in Scottish education for all is at the heart of the Education Bill, says Scottish Government

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The Scottish Government’s Education (Scotland) Bill, which is due to be debated in Parliament today, contains provisions placing a duty on local authorities and Ministers to prioritise activity aimed at closing the attainment gap.

The bill also legislates for the introduction of the National Improvement Framework, recently launched by the First Minister, to support efforts in raising attainment through improving information available to ensure pupils get the right support they need.

Other provisions targeted on enhancing children’s rights, Gaelic education, teacher registration and the creation of a Chief Education Officer post in councils are also included.

Speaking ahead of the Stage 3 debate on the Bill, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Angela Constance said: “The Scottish Government is working with local authorities, parents and others to ensure our education system delivers both excellence and equity for every child. All of the measures of this Bill have a role to play in helping to achieve that aspiration.

“We have already taken a series of steps that show how seriously we are taking this, such as the launch of the £100 million Scotland Attainment Challenge, and I am pleased to see our Bill reach its final stage in Parliament.

“Our National Improvement Framework will build on a strong record of achievement, with the aim of ensuring we have the right information about children’s progress right across Scotland. The Framework will look at a range of existing and new evidence which will tell us how we are progressing and where support is required for improvement purposes. Parents will have access to more information about their children’s education and progress than ever before, on what they are doing well and where they might need extra help.

“One source of data will be a new standardised assessment, focusing on reading, writing and numeracy. We have no interest in a return to high stakes testing. This new system will help to reduce the burden of assessment, building on best practice and replacing the wide variety of approaches taken by local authorities with a new streamlined, consistent approach. Crucially, the assessments will inform teacher judgment, not replace it.”

Education looks set to be the key battleground in the forthcoming Holyrood elections. Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale will promise to protect the education budget in real terms over the next five years if Labour is in government after the May election.