North Edinburgh projects have been highly praised at the 2014 Children & Families Achievement Awards, with local organisations Stepping Stones, Forthview Primary and Circle Scotland among the prize winners.
Winner of the Working Effectively with Others category was the PrePare Fathers’ Group, comprising PrePare, Stepping Stones, South West Children and Families Team and Circle PrePare
Fathers were consulted on what additional support they would like and group work was identified. The aim is to increase paternal involvement in their child’s plan. A collaboration was established between Circle, Stepping Stones, PrePare and SW C&F Team. Together a group work programme was established within the framework and goals set out by the Early Years Collaboration.
Fathers learned about child development and the impact of parental substance use; attachment and resilience; stress and containment and gained a clearer understanding of where they can access support.
Morag Wilson, depute manger at Stepping Stones, said: “A massive congratulations to our Parenting Outreach worker, Anna Chrystal, who alongside her colleagues from PrePare, Circle Scotland and South West Children and Families team won the 2014 Children and Families Achievement Award in partnership working. The judge commented that ‘this innovative project is making a real difference to fathers, and their families.’ They have now been encouraged to put themselves forward for the Pride in our People awards 2014.”
Read all about it: Forthview to the Fore!
West Pilton’s Forthview Primary School won the Improving Literacy Outcomes category for their ‘West Pilton Reads: Developing a Community Reading Culture’ initiative.
The Forthview submission read: ‘Research shows that we only get better at reading by reading, and that we will only read if we want to read. After looking at this research and considering best practice, we investigated ways in which we could create a reading culture around Forthview Primary.
‘The teaching of reading has been unchanged for decades, with no significant improvement in achievement, especially in areas of disadvantage. We decided that it was time for a radical change of approach to fostering the enjoyment of reading.’
Judges were clearly impressed with the Forthview approach, and commented: ‘This innovative project provides help for the whole household, not just for children. An educational support for whole families, it benefits everyone.’
The Director’s Award for Outstanding Achievment went to the Active Schools Team and the Speak Up Speak Out campaign picked up the Convener’s Award.
Children and Families Director Gillian Tee said: “This is our 15th annual achievement awards and, yet again, I have been impressed by the high standard of applications. This year we have had an exceptionally high number of nominations reflecting the huge amount of work that is going on across a wide variety of services. The professionalism and commitment shown in providing the highest level of service for every child and family across Edinburgh was clearly evident.”
A full list of winners and nominees can be found below: