Transport Arrangements

The safety of all children is paramount. Pupils will continue to receive transport, as appropriate. There may also be some travel for older pupils between settings to allow them to access off site activities. Transport packages will be organised to meet pupils’ needs and to support their educational and vocational programmes.  All transportation measures would be considered and implemented in conjunction with existing council policies and in consultation with our internal and external partners.

Integration of pupils

The We Aspire College will have dedicated spaces for learning and teaching with their own entrance within the Coltness High School campus. Where appropriate, and as part of their planned programmes, the young people will be able to access a range of facilities and opportunities across the campus and on other sites.  Planning of lunch and break times will be based on the needs of all pupils.

Transitions

If the proposal is accepted, transition plans will be developed. There is the opportunity for extended and bespoke transition packages to meet individual needs as the existing sites are due to remain active in the meantime. Transitions will be managed by the Head teacher; it is expected that parents and pupils will be fully involved in all aspects of the transition. Digital approaches will also be used to support the transition in the form of videos which can be watched in school and at home to immerse children in their new environment.

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.

Will primary pupils have a peer group?

Individual pathway planning for primary pupils will have, at its centre, a focus on planning for inclusion into mainstream where appropriate and where it meets the needs of individual children. Supports and interventions will be carefully planned to facilitate this process and, wherever possible, a multi-disciplinary approach will be adopted. There will be opportunities for partnership working with St Ambrose and Buchanan High.  Opportunities on this campus may include access to a range of exciting and engaging facilities not always available to primary pupils.

How will each of the buildings be utilised?  Will they be separated into primary, BGE and senior phase?

It is proposed that Pentland School pupils would transition to newly developed facilities within Townhead Community Centre.  Fallside Secondary School pupils would transition to We Aspire College based in Coltness High School and Portland Secondary School pupils would transition to We Aspire College based in Skills Academy.  Additional provision will be available to all pupils within the other We Aspire College sites.

Will young people have access to a range of subjects, and will intensive mentoring continue?

All young people will have an individualised plan in place that will identify appropriate opportunities on their pathway. The school leadership team will ensure the appropriate pastoral care and mentoring programmes continue. A range of activities and courses such as PE, Hospitality, Technical, and Duke of Edinburgh Award will be arranged to meet individual needs.

How many parents/representatives of pupils are at the public meeting?

Of the 55 participants who attended there were 32 parents, 17 staff and 6 other stakeholders.

Who came up with the name "We Aspire College” and why is being called a college?

The name We Aspire College aligns to the Committee Paper We ASPIRE - A Shared Ambition for North Lanarkshire, approved in September 2018, where North Lanarkshire is the place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit - a place where there is a shared ambition for inclusive growth and prosperity for all. It defines all of our work across communities, stakeholders and partners. It is important to note that We Aspire College is an opportunity to provide a range of opportunities and experiences for all learners while still retaining the individual identities of the schools involved.

How can you be “investing in our children” when you are closing their schools?

There are no planned school closures.  As referenced above each school will retain its own identity.

Is the Educational Benefits statement the one that the council is relying on and submitting to Education Scotland?

Yes