“Public confidence needs rebuilt as well as school walls: and fast” – Green Candidate Andy Wightman
The Scottish Government’s resiliency committee has met to discuss the emergency closure of seventeen PPP schools across Edinburgh – but The Scottish Greens say the ‘fiasco’ highlights the need to expose private finance failures. Continue reading Closed schools update: Scottish government offers ‘full support’
Parents advised to make childcare arrangements for next week
Craigroyston, Forthview, Pirniehall and St David’s Primary Schools are among seventeen city schools which will all remain closed on Monday, the city council has announced. Continue reading Local schools to remain closed on Monday
Saltire Society unveils 80th anniversary programme
A £50,000 ‘Inspiring Scotland’ funding programme for emerging Scottish talent and Scotland’s first ever online literary festival are just two of the eye-catching initiatives revealed today as part of a busy programme of activities to mark the Saltire Society’s 80th anniversary year. Continue reading A year to celebrate
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
Community annexe at High School under threat
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
Lynn and Lydia are developing a seven week pilot programme for adults in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre …
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!
College faces £3.3 million funding shortfall
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
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
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
Concern over ‘major disparities’ between local authorities
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
