Johann Lamont MSP today (8th Feb) visits Quarriers Opt-in project, in Pollock, Glasgow, which supports young people aged P6 – S2 to successfully make the transition from primary to secondary school. Ms Lamont will visit St Paul’s High School, where the project is based, to meet with Colin Simpson, the project manager and his staff; Phil Robinson, Quarriers chief executive; Kate Sanford, Quarriers policy officer as well as some local school pupils.
Colin Simpson, Opt-In project manager said: “We’re delighted that Ms Lamont is visiting and recognising the work we do at Opt-In. The project is a great example of successfully working in partnership with other agencies including education and social work departments; and since its launch almost six years ago, the project has proved itself to be an indispensable resource for local families and children.
“We recently secured funding to develop an additional pilot service to support even younger children to cope with the transition from nursery to primary school and by working closely with pre-five services and parents we are aiming to help give children a head start when they make the move to Primary Education. Its vital that we identify a continued funding source to enable this innovative work to continue throughout 2008.”
Johann Lamont MSP said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit this excellent project. It is always a privilege to see first hand the real difference that is being made in improving the lives of my constituents. I congratulate all those involved in the significant successes of this project in supporting the education of young people in Pollok - successes which will have long-term impact on their future wellbeing.”
The Opt-In service was set up in 2002 as a response to local concerns about school based issues for some children in the Greater Pollok area. The project invites referrals from anyone with concerns about children who are struggling to maintain their place in mainstream school or who are failing to reach their learning potential. The age range for referral is primary six to second year in secondary and the service provides support for nine local primary schools and two secondary school serving the Greater Pollok area.
The project also works with parents to assist them in supporting their children’s education and helps them to develop their own skills and learning. It provides support for P7 children affected by the social and emotional anxieties associated with the change from Primary to Secondary school and supports vulnerable children and their parents within Pre – Five provision to make successful transitions to Primary Education.
The kind of issues which affect young people referred to the service include bullying, poor self esteem, attendance concerns, self harm, peer relationships, loss, family difficulties and challenging behaviour. It is Opt-In’s aim to help young people get back on track and to support them to get the most out of their time at school.
In addition to providing individual support to dozens of children and their families the service works with nine local primary schools to deliver a programme of transition support to all primary seven pupils in the local area.
Quarriers is Scotland’s leading and most diverse social care charity providing support to around 18,000 people through 127 projects for children, young people, adults and families who are known to be experiencing extreme difficulties or who are typically hard-to-reach. The organisation has grown and changed considerably since it was founded in 1871 by William Quarrier at Bridge of Weir, expanding to meet the needs of young homeless people, children and adults with a disability, people with epilepsy and carers from across Scotland and beyond. Staff numbers are now in excess of 1800 and the charity has an expected turnover of £39M this year.
This information and further details from Jane Smith at The Business
T: 0131 718 6022
M: 07780 666 136
E: janes@thebusinesspr.co.uk
