During the school day, our pupils spend the majority of their time within the confines of the school grounds. It goes without saying then, that as we expect them to conduct themselves in a considered and courteous manner, whilst adhering to the school rules and guidelines, so it is the case that we as staff are entrusted with the care and welfare of the pupils during the course of the school day.

The pupils are of an age that they are considered by us (and themselves) as young adults, and in this respect, we offer them an amount of freedom at break and lunchtimes, and also ask that they take responsibility for their own actions. I can say with some certainty that you as parents will also offer this freedom to your young persons, and no doubt, this will include them walking to and from school on a regular basis as well as allowing them to go out with the school grounds for lunch.

On this note, it has come to light that there have been issues recently with pupils from schools within Kilmarnock, which have occurred during the hours of the school day. Some of these have concerned the pupils own personal safety and also matters of road safety. Furthermore, it has come to my attention that a small minority have, at times, been caught up in forms of anti-social behaviour and some criminal behaviour.

It is imperative therefore, that while we do hold the safety and wellbeing of our pupils in the highest regard, it is incumbent on them to do likewise.

I would offer a few points of consideration in terms of personal and road safety to be shared with the pupils, which will hopefully be taken on board and go some way towards helping in keeping them safe.

• When walking to and from school, or into town at lunch, try to stay in small groups. Avoid being on your own where possible.
• Be mindful of the dangers of the road. No matter how trivial it may seem, be cautious at all times when in and around traffic. Use appropriate crossings where applicable and DO NOT mess about with friends near any form of traffic.
• Avoid carrying large sums of money on you. A reasonable lunch should cost no more than £3 or thereabouts. Opportunist thieves may act on seeing school pupils carrying notes of £10 upwards. Avoid this by only having the necessary amount required for that day’s lunch.
• Keep mobile phones or expensive tablets out of sight when out and about. Avoid carrying them in plain sight when not in use.
• Behave appropriately when out in the community. DO NOT act in a manner which is likely to upset anyone or cause offence. Complaints have been made previously by local shops, following the conduct of pupils.
• Make sure you are in school when you are supposed to be there. Whilst truancy is not a huge issue at Kilmarnock Academy on the rare occasion when it does happen it causes major concerns for the school and parents, as no one is clear on the whereabouts of the pupils, or what they are doing. There are obvious health and safety implications in these circumstances.
• The use of mobile phones is to be limited to break and lunchtimes only. Any use of phones during class time is strictly prohibited and against school policy. It is imperative that inappropriate use of photographic or recording equipment is not permitted and could result in further action being taken. Personal safety in this regard includes any postings or inappropriate content being placed on the internet and may have a detrimental effect on the pupils and staff.

This list is not exhaustive, and I will reiterate that I offer it as points of consideration. The use of internet and social media is an ongoing issue which continues to have an impact within the school. As previously stated, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of paramount importance to all of us, but we must also stress to them, that they are responsible for their own actions and it is impossible for us to monitor their every move. On that point, I would ask that you support us in impressing upon your child the need to take every step possible to safeguard themselves and avoid any occurrence where they may place themselves at risk.

I thank you for your cooperation on this matter,

Regards

PC Jason McGinn

Campus Police Officer

Kilmarnock Academy