The HMP and HMYOI Polmont Prison Visitors Centre has released its Summer 2020 newsletter. This edition’s main focus is that, now Scotland has entered Phase 3 of recovery, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is planning to look at re-opening face to face visits. In the meantime, virtual visits are now running at Polmont.
News
PPE for Early Learning and Childcare Services
To offer a route to buying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for private, voluntary and independent early learning and childcare services (including childminders and out-of-school care), Scottish Government has set up a framework agreement with third-party supplier Lyreco. Please note that this is a “pay for” service.
Online Learning Support from Education Scotland and e-Sgoil
Education Scotland and e-Sgoil will provide new support to increase the availability of online learning across different subjects and support digital inclusion throughout Scotland. The support aims to develop a strong national e-learning provision, with a number of additional teachers from local authorities trained to provide online lessons.
Community Advice and Listening Line: Open to All
The Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) is open to all members of the community who would like to talk to a friendly volunteer, perhaps about their experience of shielding and isolating, or about caring for someone else. There is no need to have a connection with the hospice to call. CALL volunteers are available open 7 days a week, 9am – 7pm, by phone: 01324 827383.
Lead Scotland Free Online Safety Classes
Lead Scotland is hosting free short classes via Zoom over the coming months to help people to use the internet confidently and safely, with the next class taking place on Monday 27th July at 1pm. The classes are 45 minutes long, and all cover the same material and resources, so participants only need to attend one. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Inclusion Scotland Follow-Up Survey: Social Care Support During COVID-19
Inclusion Scotland has launched their new follow-up survey on social care support during COVID-19. The previous survey in April found that many disabled people had lost social care support during COVID-19; this follow-up aims to understand and build an accurate picture of why this happened. The deadline for responses is 12pm on Monday 27th July.
SBPE Second Online Event: “Vocational Pathways to Industry”
Forth Valley Developing the Young Workforce’s (DYW) next “Scotland’s Biggest Parent’s Evenings” online event takes place Tuesday 21st July, 7pm – 7:30pm. “Vocational Pathways to Industry” is aimed at parents and carers whose young people have just left school; these young people are also encouraged to attend.
Webinars for Families: Supporting Children and Young People with ASN
Children in Scotland is running a series of webinars throughout the summer for parents and carers on supporting children and young people with additional support needs (ASN).(Professionals are also welcome.) The next sessions are: “Supporting children/teens with ASN to manage health anxieties” on Monday 20th July, 3pm – 4:30pm; “Understanding children’s rights and additional support requirements” on Thursday 23rd July, 10am – 12pm; “Supporting children/teens with ASN with their transition back to schooling” on Friday 31st July, 3pm – 4:30pm. Tickets for each session are free, though there are options to add donations.
Scottish Government’s Framework for Re-Opening Schools
On Tuesday 23rd June, Deputy First Minister John Swinney spoke before the Scottish Parliament and announced plans to re-open Scottish schools 7 weeks later, on Tuesday 11th August. Mr Swinney noted that while the plan is to re-open Scottish schools fulltime, this has to be achieved safely, and remains conditional and dependent upon ongoing scientific and health advice, as part of a wider approach.
Children’s Social Distancing Guidance Changes in Phase 3
As Scotland is now in Phase 3 of recovery, children under 12 years old can now play with their friends without having to social distance, or keep 2 metres apart. They also do not need to keep 2 metres apart from older children or adults outside of their household (unless these people are in the increased risk category). Children can now meet up to 15 friends from up to 4 households outdoors, or up to 8 friends from up to 2 households indoors. Children over 12 years old still need to socially distance at this time.
