For the past three years, primary, secondary and third sector staff in Helensburgh and Lomond have met together to form a Professional Learning Community (PLC) with the collective aims of:
• understanding the practical, emotional, educational and social challenges children from Armed Forces families face as a result deployment or mobility;
• identifying strategies for supporting children within both teaching and pastoral roles;
• sharing good practice and resources, and supporting each other.
In Helensburgh and Lomond, the number of Armed Forces families will continue to rise until 2020, with families expected to relocate from Plymouth and other areas. This is due to HMNB Clyde becoming the UK Submarine Centre of Specialisation. HMNB Clyde is also home to Sandown Mine Counter Measure Vessels and 43 Commando Royal Marines. Evidence from Royal Navy Royal Marines Welfare (RNRMW), headteachers and parents suggests that some children from Armed Forces families may experience increased levels of emotional stress before, during and after deployment of a relative. (Deployments can last up to 9 months with limited or no communication with families back home.) This PLC has gained interest both locally and more widely. As a result the PLC will be offered for a fourth year. Teaching and support staff are most welcome.
Meetings will start on Thursday 22nd September in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre from 3:45 -5:00pm. Subsequent dates will be 27/10/16, 24/11/16, 19/01/17, 23/02/17 and 16/03/17
The six sessions will include guest speakers and representatives from Enquire and The Royal Caledonian Education Trust and representatives from our Armed Forces Community who can speak from experience.
If you would like to attend the above Continuing Professional Development, please register your interest by emailing Davina Blair at Davina.blair@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Note: We would expect participants to attend all 6 sessions.
The Professional Learning Community is facilitated by:
Evelyn Cook – PhD Student, Stirling University
Marie Glancy – Teacher, Parklands School
Davina Blair – Service Pupil Advisor
Carol Holloway – MOD Support for Learning Teacher
