Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson backs campaign to save school from closure

The Herald

- The children’s author behind the international bestseller The Gruffalo has joined the campaign against the closure of her local primary on the outskirts of Glasgow. Julia Donaldson, Britain’s children’s laureate, said that there would be a terrible impact if East Dunbartonshire Council closed Bearsden Primary School, where she sent two of her children.

Taught to support wind farms

Sunday Post

- A council has come under fire for allowing primary children to be targeted by pro-wind farm “propaganda”. Senior politicians have called for an investigation after SNP-controlled North Ayrshire allowed letters from a wind farm developer to be given to pupils, encouraging their parents to support more turbines.

Scientists say talking to baby stops ADHD

Sunday Herald

- Researchers have found a link between a lack of talking between a mother and her baby and the risk of emotional problems and behavioural disorders. The study, which analysed hundreds of videos of mothers interacting with their year-old babies, found that less “vocalisation” by the parent was associated with an increase in conditions such as depression and ADHD.

Advanced Higher drive for pupils from poorer areas

The Herald

- A Scottish university will employ teachers for the first time in a #163;1 million project to enable pupils from deprived areas to access Advanced Higher qualifications. Glasgow Caledonian University, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, plans to establish a campus centre for 200 pupils from 15 Glasgow secondaries

Schoolchildren sent home after man’s body found hanging in playground

Daily Record

- Hundreds of schoolchildren had to be sent home after a man was found hanged in a playground. The horrific discovery is believed to have been made by a mum who thought she saw a doll hanging from a tree as morning classes were about to start. St John Vianney Primary in Edinburgh was shut for the rest of the day.