Following the positive feedback gathered during a recent consultation, the Council has agreed to proceed with the proposal to establish an Enhanced Learning Resource (ELR) in Harestanes Primary School.
A six-week online consultation was held to gather the views of parents, pupils, teachers, carers, school staff, trades unions, Education Scotland and other professionals in the field. Pupils were interviewed about the proposals by HM Inspectors and parents were invited to attend a public meeting at the school to discuss the proposition with Council officers. The vast majority of consultees agreed with the proposal with 99% in favour of establishing an ELR at Harestanes Primary School.
The Council will now plan the development of the ELR base within the existing Harestanes Primary school building in a self-contained area with separate outdoor and social spaces. Additional specialist teachers will be employed at the base and, whilst the ELR will be a separate unit, children who attend will be able to access some mainstream classes or activities depending on their individual needs.
Convener of Education, Councillor Jim Goodall, said, “The results from the consultation show the existing school community welcomes the introduction of an ELR base and I am confident the resource will bring substantial educational benefits to both children with additional support needs who live in Kirkintilloch and the children who currently attend Harestanes Primary school. A local ELR base provides greater opportunities for inclusion within the community and significantly reduces travel time to and from school for many children. The bases currently running in Bearsden and Bishopbriggs are having a very positive impact on pupils and I’m looking forward to seeing children enjoying the same benefits at Harestanes Primary in the near future.”
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