A school has created a special well-being centre in the library putting emotional support at the core of its curriculum.
The hub at Livingston’s Inveralmond Community High school provides everything from support to practical advice for pupils.
Suzie Young, the headteacher, told a meeting of Livingston North local area committee that the school had refreshed in values, vision and purpose during the pandemic.
“She added: “During the pandemic we moved our library books up the stairs nearer the English department, we then established a well-being centre in the heart of the school.
“The well-being centre has a range of staff available to support the needs of young people ranging from the campus police officer, to family link workers.
“We are putting well-being physically at the heart of our school as well as an improvement plan.
“All enquiries are triaged by a very experienced member of staff, this allows our pupils to access support at the right time by the right people.”
The new centre is a point where students can get any support from something as simple as getting a new mask to talking with the campus police officer, a family link worker or meeting with pupil support. There are also staff representing each of the school houses Arran, Skye and Tiree. Extra pupil support staff will work out of the new centre after the summer break.
The school’s motto is Honesty, Respect Kindness . Mrs Young said “We speak a lot about acts of kindness both in the school and out in the community and that has come from a lot of pupils in the community.”
She added that the school’s purpose of “Achieve to the best of our abilities, connect to the world around us and thrive now and in the future” was as relevant to the learning experience and as important as qualifications.
The school has been awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.
The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults and pupils to respect the rights of others in school.
Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life. There are over 600 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have received Gold.
The school has been working with UNICEF UK since 2012, achieving their Bronze award in 2013 and Silver in 2019. Pupils and staff were joined by executive councillor for education David Dodds to mark the fantastic achievement.
Mrs Young said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first secondary in West Lothian to receive the Gold Award from UNICEF UK.
“Our whole school community has worked hard to ensure that children’s rights are embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life.
“Thanks to all the staff, pupils, parents, carers and wider school community for all their support to make this happen.”
UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Programme Director, Frances Bestley, said: “Children at Inveralmond understand and are strongly committed to children’s rights. They are listened to, participate fully in school life and have a strong understanding of the wider world. It is clear that the school’s Rights Respecting work has created a positive and empowering learning environment for all and we are very pleased to award them Gold: Rights Respecting.”
