Published 15 October 2024
Teachers at Dumbarton Academy have been presented with the ‘We Promise Award’ for their commitment to improving educational experiences and outcomes for care experienced children and young people.
The award was given to the school after 70 per cent of staff members completed professional learning designed to enhance support for care experienced pupils to ensure they are cared for, safe, respected and encouraged to realise their full potential.
The aim of the professional learning is to develop awareness and understanding of The Promise and the commitments made around education to support inclusion and improve outcomes.
Focussing on the particular needs of care experienced pupils, the training highlighted some of the challenges and how these impact on pupils’ access and engagement in learning.
Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: “Congratulations to all the staff at Dumbarton Academy for undertaking The Promise training to ensure the best for our care experienced learners. This will greatly assist them to ensure they can contribute to positive changes both individually and collectively within the school.”
Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “We are committed to all learners regardless of their background or home life. This professional learning will help staff ensure every pupil receives the support and care they need to achieve at school and beyond and will ensure staff have the knowledge, confidence and skills to help all pupils, in particular children who are care experienced.”