Website for young carers
An initiative to help young carers in Scotland was launched by film actor Billy Boyd (left) and Public Health Minister Michael Matheson at Dundee’s Hillside Primary this week. Funded by the Scottish Government and created by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, its website provides information for children on the role of young carers and where to get help. Hillside pupil Matthew Turnbull, 12, designed cartoon characters Eric and Trayc. www.ericandtrayc.com
Anti-terrorism training
Teachers at Glendale Primary in Glasgow have raised concerns after undergoing anti-terrorism training by Strathclyde Police officers during an in-service day. The training, a Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said, advised teachers on the correct procedures to follow if they had any concerns about information disclosed by a child. The council aims to provide the training to primary teachers across the city, working with police.
Support shown for Gaelic
A Gaelic school in Edinburgh has been recommended following a city-wide consultation on the future of nursery and primary Gaelic medium education (GME). The public was given the choice of a dedicated primary school with nursery facilities and withdrawal of the current GME unit at Tollcross Primary, or an increase in GME capacity at Tollcross Primary.
Teacher struck off by GTCS
Portlethen Academy teacher Mark Robertson has been struck off by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) for engaging in online sexual conversations with a 16-year old pupil. Also this week, the GTCS suspended Andrew Beattie, 61, from Selkirk High, after he was found guilty by Duns Sheriff Court of having performed a sex act on a teenage pupil, made sexual remarks to another pupil, and downloaded indecent images of children. He will face a full hearing at a later date.
CEDAR funding comes to an end
Funding for the CEDAR (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery) project will end next month after three years, putting an end to the “multi-agency” approach which has supported the recovery of children who have lived with the fear and trauma of domestic abuse. A three-year domestic abuse research report on the impact of CEDAR and a short animation, showing children how to keep themselves safe, were launched this week.
