Inclusion and Wellbeing Service

The NHS has issued the following advice for schools dealing with the current Coronavirus situation.

Have you or your child got a new device for Christmas, like a mobile phone, tablet or laptop?

Here are a few  suggestions which may be helpful to you – whether it’s a new device or an existing device.

All Falkirk pupils  are entitled to FREE Microsoft Office for use at home and on mobile devices – this works on all mobile devices and PCs (on multiple devices per person) – the following link describes how to get it

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/fa/mobiledevices/2015/06/17/microsoft-office-free-for-all-falkirk-council-childrens-services-staff-and-pupils-with-a-glow-account/

Keeping safe – the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre has provided links to how-to guides from mobile device manufacturers to steps to keeping safe with a mobile device

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices

as well as 5 Simple Steps everyone can take to help provide protection for users

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/staying-smart-with-your-christmas-gadgets

The BBC OwnIT app has been designed to help keep children safe online. Here’s a link to more information about the app on the BBC website

https://www.bbc.com/ownit/take-control/own-it-app

We hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable summer break. We wanted to keep you up to date with staffing changes that have happened across the summer period. New staff are being welcomed into the team, some staff have moved on and some staff will move on in the near future.

In our primary team, Ewan Shanks returned to his substantive post in Carron Primary School. We appreciate all of the time Ewan gave us and he will be missed. In our secondary team we said farewell to Gillian Macadam who has relocated to Malaysia. We wish Gillian all the best and look forward to hearing how she is getting on.

We now welcome a number of new staff to the team.

Slamannan Campus:

• Leigh Keirnan, Class Teacher.

Grangemouth Campus:

• Iona Pearce, Class Teacher.
• Kirstie McMillan, Support for Learning Assistant.

Outreach:

• Debra Smith, Teacher

Laurieston Campus- Secondary:

• Wendy McQuillan, Class Teacher
•  Alison Wareing, Support for Learning Assistant

Across the next few weeks we have some staff moving on.

Julie Knox has accepted a new position with Clackmannanshire Council and her last day with the service will be 13th September 2019. We thank Julie for her support and wish her all the best in the future.

Our headteacher, David McKellar, is also on the move with his last day being 30th August 2019. David will be taking up a new post with Education Scotland as a HM Inspector of Education. We thank David for his contribution to developing the new service and all of his support across the past few years. In the interim Ross Queenan will take up the acting headteacher position while recruitment is being undertaken for a permanent replacement for David. Ross is currently the DHT in Graeme High School and we offer him a warm welcome.

We look forward to working with you across the forthcoming academic session.

Inclusion and Wellbeing Service 3-18

Free School Meals and Clothing Grants

If you applied for this support last year, you won’t need to make a new application. You should have received a message to advise you of this recently from the Assessment Team.

If you have never applied before, you will need to apply.

If you need more information, or to apply online, visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/fsm.

Within the resources menu we have added a few GIRFEC resources for professionals to use

Thought provoking video from Skills Development Scotland.  How are we at Inclusion and Wellbeing Service 3-18 meeting the new skills required? Come and see by checking out our twitter feeds @IWBSFalkirk @MarinerSupport @oxgangschool #WatchUsGrow

We are delighted to update you with the progress made in enhancing our provisions across the service. Over the next 6 months we will be moving away from our previous school base in Grangemouth to new locations across Falkirk. We are doing so to ensure that we continue to meet the changing needs of children and young people in Falkirk.

We have acquired the old Heathrigg Nursery building in Slamannan and hope to relocate there in April 2019. This will cater for children in their early primary years and offers wonderful outdoor spaces and more suitable classroom environments. The children attending here will normally have at least 50% of the school week within their mainstream school setting. Overview of Inclusion and Wellbeing Service 3-18 Slamannan

Additionally, we have developed classroom units to the rear of Laurieston Campus for children within the senior primary years. This will support improved transition into secondary school for those who move to Mariner Support Service. The children located here will keep aspects of their mainstream experiences however, will be consider full time pupils of the service.

Overview of Inclusion and Wellbeing Service 3-18- Laurieston Campus

A third location is currently being sought, we will keep you in the loop as things develop. The third location will cater for the needs of children in the middle of their primary education and offer flexible approaches, both full time and shared time.

 

Across November we had many visitors coming to support our primary children with findraising activities, consultations and to engage with learning. The children were delighted with everyone’s contribution and support.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and kindness.

 

Wow, an amazing wellbeing afternoon for the staff across the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service. Staff from Outreach, Oxgang and Mariner all joined together and took time out for wellbeing activity. Some great laughs, exercises, games and relaxation experiences after working incredibly hard all week. #WatchUsGrow #ReadyForNextWeek

Our new gym is getting a solid workout as the young people and staff compete against each other. This month’s challenge was set by our Inclusion Worker, Natalie, and is called ‘At Arms Length’.  For staff, Mariner’s Craig is in the lead with a 2minute 53seconds. For young people, Lewis leads the way with 33seconds.