Forum

After a few meetings this morning I headed to Newbattle High School for the inaugural meeting of the Education Leaders Forum, hosted by the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP.

While Children's Hearings Scotland is not in the direct stream of education we are in the eddies where some of Scotland's most vulnerable children end up.  So how do we work together in a supportive way to ensure that the education system is working more effectively to support those who need help.

A wide range of interests present, many from the third sector - alongside inspection, service providers and university leaders.  Just like the Firestarter event last Monday efforts being made to bring together varied interests to explore links and opportunities.

The setting was the Newbattle Community High School, soon to move to new premises.  we had a number of presentations of people working together and in partnership  -Newbattle has strong links with  employers and have devised a number of pathways for pupils who wish to follow certain careers.  Then other activities presented from Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire all looking to engage people - including parents and young people  - in education.

An interesting day and one for further reflection and thought.  The workshops were driven at pace.  And we had input from young people themselves (at least until the end of school bell). And some wonderful music from the school' "Big Band",  See also https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2407299925197983669
I would have blipped them but did not know if we had permission to photograph them!

The walls of the hall were bright with geometric designed and also some bright murals - as this blip who's.  (no sign of plastic in the ocean though but the whale's expression does not look pleased!)