Transport

The safety of all children is paramount. Pupils will continue to receive transport, as appropriate.  Given the relative proximity of the two sites (less than two miles / less than ten minutes’ drive) it is anticipated that journey times would not increase significantly, and, for some pupils, they may reduce. If the proposal is agreed, a transport plan will be developed to accommodate the additional onsite transport needs. All transportation measures would be considered and implemented in conjunction with existing council policies and in consultation with our internal and external partners. 

Personal care/Specialist equipment and programmes

The children’s personal care needs will continue to be planned for, and met, on an individual basis. Where specialist equipment is required to support personal care, movement programmes, medical needs, etc. this equipment will continue to be provided as specified in children’s plans. The proposal involves the redevelopment of an area which was formally a gym hall.   The planned redevelopment will create a significant amount of additional space within Drumpark.  Part of the design will be to ensure that all the correct equipment and facilities are installed within the development.  The Head teacher and staff team will plan the use of the additional space in a way that best meets the needs of all pupils within the school. Individual programmes, e.g. movement programmes, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy will continue as specified in the child’s individualised plan.

Transitions

If the proposal is accepted, then a plan for transition will be developed. Transitions will be managed by the Head teachers following a programme of visits to familiarise pupils with their new environment; it is expected that parents and pupils will be fully involved in all aspects of the transition. This, along with the proximity of the two schools, means that there is the opportunity to adopt a flexible, bespoke, approach to transition, creating an exciting and positive experience for everyone. Digital approaches to this in the form of videos which can be watched in school and at home to immerse children in their new environment.

School identity

There are no whole school closures planned.  It is proposed that Mavisbank remains open, however those pupils who transition to Drumpark Primary School, will become pupils there. 

Physical space/light

Drumpark already benefits from a range of excellent facilities including a large teaching pool, soft play room, sensory room, gym hall, outdoor spaces, spacious classes and ‘break-out’ areas. The proposal involves the redevelopment of an area which was formally a gym hall.  The planned redevelopment will create a significant amount of additional space within Drumpark.  It benefits from high levels of natural light from both sky lights and windows.  The areas that have less natural light are designated to be used for a sensory room, toilets, and personal care areas.  The Head teacher and staff team will use the additional space in a way that best meets the needs of all pupils within the school. It is important to note that on the 18th March 2021 the Strategic Capital Investment Programme 2021/22 to 2025/26 was approved at Policy and Strategy Committee.  The capital budget for the proposed building works has therefore been approved.

If the proposal goes ahead when will the pupils start?

We are still at consultation stage with all key stakeholders. Until the consultation has ended and the outcome is known, we cannot give a definitive start date. All pupils will continue to attend Mavisbank until the outcome of the consultation is determined. Following a transition plan, Head teachers will arrange a programme of visits to familiarise pupils with their new environment; it is expected that parents and pupils will be fully involved in all aspects of the transition. The main objective will be to provide transition activities so that the children can enjoy an exciting journey into the new facility. 

Class setting

Children will be placed in classes based on assessment of their needs. While class sizes can vary depending on the needs of the children, they will continue to be within designated ratio defined by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT).  

Workforce arrangements

Until the consultation has ended and the outcome of the proposals are known, we are unable to define workforce arrangements. However, classes will continue to be staffed in such a way as to ensure that the needs of all learners are met.  If the proposal is approved, then the relevant staffing exercise will take place to ensure that we have the appropriate staff to pupil ratios and the relevant expertise. This would always be undertaken in full consultation with the affected staff members as well as the recognised trade unions and professional associations.  As is currently the case, staff will continue to be able to access a range of professional development opportunities to ensure that the needs of all learners are met.