Minister for Children and Young People visits Logan Primary

Welcoming Ms Todd, Councillor Elena Whitham, Deputy Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Global Goals programme – Logan Primary adopted 17 goals to tackle challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate, environment, prosperity, peace and justice.

“Staff and pupils looked at the UN goals and applied them to local community issues, coming up with a range of innovative ideas designed to forge links with the school, support local people and make life better for everyone.

“I’m delighted that we can showcase these ideas to the Minister and demonstrate how this wee school really has become the heart of the Logan community.”

The school’s projects include:

• The Steamie, which provides a washing, drying, ironing facilities – and helps those who currently have no  access to their own laundry facilities.
• The ‘EAT’ programme (delivered by Centrestage) for parents and the community to cook and eat together, learning culinary skills and gaining hygiene certificates.
• Team Around the Community (TACo) a forward-looking group exploring services that can support the community and how these opportunities can be created.
• A parent group offering health and wellbeing of adults (parents), working with Francine Robertson to improve confidence, mental health, emotional literacy – goal 10 – we met the group with our visitors to share some of the work.
• The Apprentice family literacy programme, leading into the Me2u project, which also offers skills and work experience to improve employment prospects.
• Massage in schools, a relaxing and therapeutic programme for pupils.
• Swap Shop for donating or taking new, clean clothes for babies, children and adults.
• Safe Space for women providing information about finance, women’s aid, health, hygiene and family planning.

Outdoor initiatives include a poly tunnel for growing fruit and veg, chickens providing eggs for pupils, parents and the community and preparation for the Logan Bees expected in the summer months.

Other support ideas include a free community lunch on Thursdays, served by pupils who gain work experience in catering and hospitality, and a dignified food service accessible to the whole community.

Ms Todd said: “Logan Primary School is clearly a focal point of the village and I was pleased to see first-hand the excellent work that the school are undertaking to forge strong links with the wider community.

“Staff and pupils have come up with some truly innovative ideas to support local people and make life better for everyone and I hope other schools across Scotland can follow the excellent example set by Logan Primary.”