Renfrewshire schools recognised for their work to Keep The Promise

Two Renfrewshire primary schools have been recognised for their work to support care-experienced children and their families.

Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrew won the Positive Partnership award for their work with OneRen and Active Schools on physical exercise for care-experienced pupils. St Peter’s Primary in Paisley won the Changing the Narrative award for using positive language about care experiences.

The awards were given to the schools at the recent Corporate Parenting Awards by Who Cares? Scotland.

The Care-Experienced Sports Club at Kirklandneuk Primary was recognised for being designed around care-experienced children, helping them to become more active. The school team worked with OneRen and Active Schools to focus on the physical needs of children with care experiences and each session included food. Staff leading the club were trained on providing additional support for children with care experiences. This pilot is now being replicated across the area at other schools.

Karen MacKechnie, head teacher of Kirklandneuk Primary, said: “Positive partnerships are a key feature of our work and support for all pupils and families at Kirklandneuk, so we were absolutely delighted to receive this award from Who Cares? Scotland. Our whole staff team are dedicated to listening and responding to the voices of our Care Experienced community whom we strive to provide the very best experiences for in partnership with OneRen and Active Schools.”

The team at St Peter’s Primary focused on changing the language used when talking about care experiences to make it more inclusive. Teachers and support staff undertook training and school policies, including the positive relationships policy, were updated to reflect inclusive language. The school also ensure that pupils with varied life experiences, including those who are care experienced, are part of the school’s groups, enabling everyone to have their voices heard on school matters.

Sharon Mazzoni, head teacher of St Peter’s Primary, said: “I am very proud of the hard work of St. Peter’s pupils, staff and the whole school community. I am delighted to see the positive impact that the ‘Communities that Care’ project is having on the children and families of St Peter’s.”

Staff at Charleston Square who provide supported accommodation for young people who are care experienced as well as staff who work in children’s residential houses were also nominated for the Equality, Respect and Love and the Outstanding Corporate Parent categories.

Maurice Gilligan is the Promise manager for Renfrewshire Council and works with services to embed The Promise into everyday service provision. He said: “Congratulations to Kirklandneuk and St Peter’s primary schools along with OneRen and Active Schools for their success in the awards. Very well done also to our team and colleagues who were recognised and nominated across the categories. It is great that their dedication and commitment has been recognised at these national awards and is further evidence of our shared commitment to Keep The Promise.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, added: “Delivering on The Promise is a key commitment we have made as a Council. By making these changes, we are improving the way we deliver services to young people and their families and ensuring their voices are heart in our communities.

“Every member of staff plays an important part in supporting the work of The Promise. I want to congratulate everyone at Kirklandneuk and St Peter’s primary schools for winning these awards as well as those supporting our young people in Charleston Quare and our children’s residential homes.

“I also want to say thank you to everyone working across the Council to Keep The Promise to children, young people and adults who are care experienced.”