Tag: Frogston Primary School

Edinburgh primary school awarded grant to support diversity and inclusion project

Frogston Primary School in Edinburgh has been awarded a share of £200,000 to support a progressive diversity and inclusion project, as part of the 2023/24 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Fund supports creative and innovative projects within the school library sector in Scotland.

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s funding priority was given to applications which focused on supporting anti-racism and racial equality.

The £200,000 2023/24 SLIF has been allocated to a total of 21 initiatives across 13 local authority areas in Scotland, including the ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ project in Edinburgh.

Frogston Primary School’s ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ aims to support parents from diverse backgrounds and pupils with additional needs to meet, talk, learn, and access resources in a safe space.

The project, in collaboration with Edinburgh Libraries, aims to break down barriers with those who feel alienated from the school community and find it difficult to access school – and wider – services through the established channels, such as parents from ethnically diverse backgrounds and refugees.

This brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.7m over the lifetime of SLIF, playing an important role in helping school library services achieve the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023’ – the strategic document for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

Congratulating the successful applicants, Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: “School libraries play a key role in our efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment, but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.

“Projects supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.

“Scotland’s school libraries are a vital resource, and all children should have access to the opportunities they provide. This funding will help ensure that young people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s fund has been shared across 13 local authority areas, from Dumfries and Galloway to Aberdeen City. 

SLIC accepts up to two individual approaches per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications to ensure equal opportunities across Scotland, with priority for the 2023/24 funding given to project applications focusing on supporting anti-racism and equality.

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of SLIC, said: “School libraries play a key role in accelerating education and learning, and ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their full potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities.

“Each child, school and local authority is different, with differing priorities, and therefore funding programmes like SLIF help to improve and expand the tailored services school libraries can provide.  That’s why it’s great to see Scotland’s school library services being proactive with their approaches with strong applications coming in from schools eager to further develop these resources.

“We’re particularly proud to award support to those advocating for anti-racism and anti-discrimination through this year’s Fund, with many projects aiming to increase access and support for pupils who may experience barriers to learning, including those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

“Involving children and young people, and their families, in defining the school library service creates a flexible space for reflection and conversation where learning and creativity are encouraged in a nurturing environment.  We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to life.”

For more information on The School Library Improvement Fund, visit: 

scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Primary Schools start the first chapter towards a career in construction

Children at Frogston Primary School and Wallyford Primary School have been left inspired by the varied construction careers available thanks to the donation of educational books from Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.

The homebuilder, who is currently building a range of homes at its St Clements and Heritage Grange developments, has donated a class bundle of ‘We Can Build’ books to the school, marking the 25th anniversary of World Book Day.

Written by graduates on Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ two-year development programme, ASPIRE, the story takes children on the journey of building a home through the lens of various professions in the housebuilding industry.

It aims to introduce young learners to each element of the new build construction industry and sustainability in construction, as well as inspiring the next generation of architects, engineers and site managers. 

The book has been purchased by Barratt Developments Scotland for distribution across the country, as well as offered to colleagues, families and friends, with all profits going towards the Prince’s Trust, which helps connect young people with mentors, career opportunities and pathways into inspiring futures.

Lorraine Lawrie, Head Teacher at Frogston Primary School said: “Primary 2 pupils at Frogston Primary School had a great time during their visit from Kirsten at Barratt Developments Scotland.

“They loved their new books and were very inspired by the different jobs and careers portrayed inside. They were discussing the book with each other and choosing their favourite characters. They particularly loved Esme the Engineer and architect proved to be a very popular career choice!”

Louise Innes, Depute Head Teacher at Wallyford Primary School said: “We are delighted with the gift of Barratt’s ‘We Can Build’ books to coincide with World Book Day.

“These will be a useful resource to help our children learn more about the construction industry and the wider world of work.”

Anne Ross, East Scotland Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland said: “There’s no better people in our business to write the book than the young graduates who have just entered the industry and are passionate about sharing their learnings with the next generation.

“Construction isn’t just about building, there’s something for everyone. From marketing and sales to architecture and project management, it’s a rewarding and varied career – and at the end of the day you’ve helped make an important contribution to local communities. 

“We hope the books will help to inspire the next generation of built environment experts and STEM learners at Wallyford Primary School and Frogston Primary School.”