7 December 2023
The Scottish Government have launched a ‘Vaping Addiction
’ campaign aimed at parents and carers of 10-17 year olds. The aim is to help increase awareness of the harms and risks of addiction of vaping for children and young people.
In addition a resource has been created for parents, to help find out more about the risks of vaping, how you can talk to your child about it and how to support them if they have taken it up.
9 October 2023
ASL Service and Psychological Services together with NHS partners are coordinating a series of 6 Autism Parent Information Sessions for parents and carers of autistic children attending City of Edinburgh, mainstream High schools.
The sessions are appropriate for parents, grandparents or carers. Young people themselves should not attend. The sessions will take place at lunchtime on Microsoft Teams.
Interested parents should book a place by contacting the number on the flier attached or via Eventbrite: details on the flier attached.
*Please note that parents of children without a formal diagnosis are also welcome.
22 September 2023
Arrangements for Days affected by Industrial Action 26th-28th September 2023
Based on the information available at time of publication, we expect the strikes to go ahead forcing the closure of our school, and we have made arrangements to take account of this.
The arrangements that we have put in place are as follows:
- The school building will be closed to students.
- All teaching staff and partner agency staff (who are not members of the striking unions) are expected to attend their normal place of work.
- Exceptionality will apply to a very small number of staff who will work from home.
- Teachers have been asked to follow their normal timetable and provide interactive ‘synchronous’ learning and teaching to their students.
- All students are expected to participate in online learning, using their 1:1 device, through the Teams platform
- All students have been guided on how to use Teams for learning and teaching.
- Our pastoral staff will conduct wellbeing check-ins with some young people over the three days.
- The school reception and office will not be staffed during the three days. Voicemails and emails to the school will be picked up as soon as possible.
4 September 2023
Information about Online Parent Information Sessions offering support for parents of young people with ASD is available here
24 August 2023
NDwell Drop-In Support at Silverknowes Golf Club takes place every Wednesday from 9am - midday. This is a drop-in for parents and carers who have a neurodivergent child to come along and get support and advice
14 August 2023
Salvesen Mindroom Centre are restarting their monthly online Parent and Carer Peer support groups for families of neurodivergent children and young people in Edinburgh.
The sessions are to help parents and carers share their knowledge and lived experience of supporting neurodivergent children and young people. Each group will have a topic where parents and carers will have the opportunity to chat, to share strategies, anecdotes and what they have found useful.
The group will be facilitated by Nelly Whaley (Team Leader: Parent and Carer Service) and Andrea McKenna (Family Advice Specialist) from Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
The first session is on Thursday 7 September 10.30-11.30am on Microsoft Teams. Further information is here.
8 March 2023
Please see attached letter from Lorna French, Service Director for Education and Chief Education Officer regarding school closure on May 8 for the King's Coronation
***************
9 January 2023
Information for parents/carers of pupils in the Ukrainian community regarding processes within education in Edinburgh is available now, as follows:
Medication Consent Form (in Russian)
Non-prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Russian)
Non-prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Ukrainian)
Short-term prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Russian)
Short-term prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Ukrainian)
Long-term prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Russian)
Long-term prescribed Medication Consent Form (in Ukrainian)
Attendance at School Guidance (in Russian)
Attendance at School Guidance (in Ukrainian)
Education in Scotland (in Russian)
Education in Scotland (in Ukrainian)
Assessment Reporting Qualifications (in Russian)
Assessment Reporting Qualifications (in Ukrainian)
Parents as Partners (in Russian)
Parents as Partners (in Ukrainian)
******
Parent & Carer Support and Information Sessions
The most recent information about upcoming Parent and Carer Support and Information Sessions is available here.
8 December 2022
A new Guide to Children’s Rights for Parents, Carers and family members has been launched.
This much anticipated resource provides information about children’s rights and introduces the United Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC is the internationally mandated children’s rights treaty which sets out the rights that all children and young people should expect and what they need to grow up happy, healthy and safe. It outlines the central role played by parents and families and also recognises that they need protection and assistance to support the rights and wellbeing of their children.
The booklet was created by the UNCRC Parents Network, made up of parenting organisations and Scottish Government policy officials, who have been meeting for over a year to look at how best to inform parents, carers and family members about the rights of their children. It conveys broad universal messaging about children’s rights and has adopted a warm and reassuring tone.
29 September 2022
BHS Parents and Carers - Keeping Informed and Getting Involved - Parent Council
Welcome to the School Year 2022/23. We hope your young people are enjoying being back at school. A special welcome to parents/carers of first year pupils and those new to the school.
We wanted to let you how you can keep informed about what’s happening at the school and how you can get involved if you would like to.
Broughton High School Parent Council is a group of parents, carers and community members who support the school. The PC meet around 6 times a year with Headteacher John Wilson and other members of the Senior Leadership team. The meetings provide a great opportunity to find out what is happening in the school and to ask questions.
Visit the Parent Council website for information about meetings, news, volunteering and our subgroups: https://broughtonhighpc.org/
If you would like to receive news from the Parent Council, you can sign up here: https://broughtonhighpc.org/contact-us/
or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can also find us on Facebook: Broughton High School Parent Council
and Twitter: @BroughtonHighPC
The Parent Council have a number of sub groups:
The Broughton High School Association (BHSA) is the fundraising arm of the Parent Council. They raise funds for things not normally paid for by the school or the council e.g. sports strips, specialist equipment, subsidising the cost of school trips. They also provide school ties for every S1 pupil. Fundraising activities were curtailed over the pandemic, but are starting again with a café at Dean Gardens on Sunday 25 September for Doors Open Day.
BHSA are always looking for new committee members to help plan and run events, and volunteers to help with events on the day and/or to provide home baking. The Committee meet on the first Thursday of the month 7.30-8.30pm at The Place, Raeburn Place (Edinburgh Accies Rugby Club). You can email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The 200 Club is a monthly cash lottery – profits provide a regular income for the BHSA. Join the 200 Club to support our school AND have a chance of winning cash prizes up to £35! To join the 200 Club or for more information, e-mail Colin Gilbert at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BroWorks is a committee run by the school with support from parents to organise the school’s careers fair, help pupils to find work experience and to run the hugely successful Bro-Works Careers Breakfasts when they are able to resume. Currently meetings are held approximately once per month at the school on a weekday morning during term-time.
The Parent Council wants to represent all parents/carers from across our wonderfully diverse school. PC and BHSA meetings are open to all, and for those who can’t make it to a meeting (or who are less keen on committees!) there are lots of ways to get involved throughout the year.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Best wishes from the PC Committee and the BHSA Committee
**************************
18 August 2022
Lorna French, Acting Head of Schools and Lifelong Learning has issued a letter for Parents/Carers which can be viewed here.
31 March 2022
The national e-learning provision is being constantly updated. Our students have been made aware of the offer and should explore its many aspects in advance of the SQA exams. The flyer includes links that you can click on to see what is available.
Senior students will be reminded of this provision at assemblies and prompted to log into the portal at the same time.
Much of the resource is accessed with the use of personal Glow passwords. These will be updated and re-circulated to students during WB 4th April. Please check student emails if in doubt.
Also attached is a slide with the QR code that students can use to register for e-learning provision.
24 February 2022
City of Edinburgh Council is about to run a Health and Wellbeing Census, which asks all children in Primary 5 to Secondary 6 about their lives and wellbeing. Your child will be asked to complete an online questionnaire in class. Full information is here, along with Frequently Asked Questions.
Letters have also been translated as follows:
11 October 2021
The Interim Director for Education and Childrens Services has issued a letter to parents and carers about their investment in the Empowered Learning Project.
8 September 2021
Updated Covid information from the City of Edinburgh Schools & Lifelong Learning Department has been issued in a letter to Parents/Carers.
6 September 2021
A new Peer Support group for parents caring for a young person (11-25years) experiencing Mental Health issues has been set up.
The group will be run as part of the new Parents Carewell Partnership meeting online, fortnightly on a Friday 10-11am. The next session will be Friday 17 September.
The group aims to -
- Provide parents/carers with a safe space to share their experiences and hear from other carers in similar situations
- Help improve wellbeing
- Support parents/carers with ways they can help their child
- Navigate complex systems such as social work assessments and welfare benefits
- Help parents/carers find out more about their rights as a carer
If you’d like to find out more or to wish to attend a session, email Megan, VOCAL’s Parent Carer Support Practitioner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Carewell Partnerships are Edinburgh-wide initiatives which support carers.
15 June 2021
Parent Anxiety Workshops - 20 & 27 July
Experiencing anxiety and worry is normal and common in people of all ages. While we all experience anxiety sometimes, there are times when anxiety and worry can feel very difficult to manage and can have a big impact on really important aspects of our lives. The Parent Anxiety workshop has been designed by our local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and will be delivered by CAMHS staff in collaboration with Psychological Services, City of Edinburgh Council. Within these workshops, parents are supported in developing skills and confidence to help their children overcome their difficulties with anxiety. If you would like to attend, please send a note of interest to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
**************************************
In 2011 Scottish Government launched The Scottish Strategy for Autism and every local area was required to create a local autism plan. As the Strategy comes to an end we would like to find out how people's lives have been impacted by the Edinburgh plan. We have drawn up short questionnaires to help us evaluate what has been offered locally in response to the Edinburgh 10-year plan. Information shared will be looked at by a multi-disciplinary group working together to develop future plans and supports for autistic individuals and their families/ carers in Edinburgh.
These questionnaires are just one way that feedback will be gathered. The intention of the group is to seek the views of a wider audience, including autistic children and young people, through a range of approaches to ensure that future planning is informed by research evidence, practitioner knowledge and lived experience.
Please select a link from below to complete the questionnaire relevant to your personal situation:
- Parent/ Carer of an autistic child or young person in City of Edinburgh Council provision - https://forms.office.com/r/SXB0ga0yXV
- Parent/ Carer of an autistic child or young person enrolled in independent school or being home educated - https://forms.office.com/r/YHeWViyYpF
- Autistic adult or parent/ carer of an autistic adult - https://forms.office.com/r/hrUVyYvByh
It is not expected that anyone completes this more than once, however some autistic parents of an autistic child or adult may wish to complete a questionnaire from each perspective.
Submission is anonymous and responses will be accepted until 18th May 2021.
Thank you in advance for your time and help.
4 May 2021
Using Social Media Safely 
Access to Industry would like to invite parents to our Access Data Online Taster Session titled “Using Social Media Safely.”
About the workshop:
How can you protect yourself and your family when using social media? Based on advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, we will highlight some of the current social engineering cyber-attacks related to COVID-19 and show you the steps to take to protect yourself.
You’ll see live demonstrations of attacks and learn how to spot them. Then you'll get the chance to get your own cyber security questions answered.
These tips will help you feel more confident about using a computer safely. No technical knowledge is required to take part.
The session will take place on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Our taster sessions are aimed at parents eligible for the Access Data project (see below).
Who can register:
Access Data is made for parents, or those with parental responsibilities, living in the City of Edinburgh, who are either unemployed or on a low income, and find themselves in one or more of the groups listed below:
- They are disabled or have a disabled child
- They are from a minority ethnic background
- They are a lone parent
- They have 3 or more children
- They have a child below 1 year of age
- They are below 25 years of age
How to register:
To register, please fill out our registration form. The number of spaces is limited and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about Access Data, please visit our website.
29 March 2021
Alternative Certification Model for the Senior Phase
As you may already know, the Scottish Government confirmed that National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams will not go ahead in the 2020-2021 school session. Instead of exams, teachers will assess in schools in line with the Scottish Qualification Agency’s (SQA) guidance. City of Edinburgh Council's Schools & Lifelong Learning Department has issued a letter for parents/carers with further information.
#15 March 2021
Free School Meals/Spring Hardship Payment information
Free School Meals payments and the Spring Hardship Payment https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants
Other payments
If you meet the conditions for free school meals you may be entitled to other payments to help with meals during school holidays, closures or if your child has to self-isolate.
You don't need to apply separately. We will pay these to the bank account we hold for your clothing grant.
Holiday payments
A payment of £2.25 was made for every day during school holidays, closures or where remote or learning is in place up to 29 January 2021.
From 01 February 2021, the payment increased to £2.50 per day.
Free School Meals payments have been made for all pupils up to 12 March 2021.
On 15 March 2021, a Free School Meals payment of £35.00 per child will be made for secondary pupils only as they are returning to school on blended learning. This payment is for the period 15 March 2021 to 01 April 2021.
Free School Meals payments will be made to all pupils for the Easter holidays.
Spring Hardship Payment
The Scottish Government’s Spring Hardship Payment (https://www.gov.scot/news/funding-to-tackle-poverty-and-inequality/) includes a one-off payment of £100 per child for all children in receipt of Free School Meals before the Easter holiday.
This payment will be included with the Easter holiday Free School Meal payment.
The date for the Spring Hardship Payment and the Easter holidays Free School Meal payment has not yet been confirmed but the payment will be made in advance of the Easter holiday. Once the date is confirmed we will update our web page.
Parents of children already in receipt of Free School Meals DO NOT need to complete an application in order to receive the Spring Hardship Payment, it will be paid automatically using the bank/payment details we already hold.
4 March 2021
City of Edinburgh Council is looking for the views of parents/carers, pupils and staff on future school session dates for 2022/23 and beyond.
They have prepared a survey about the timing of school holidays over the next three years. Parents and staff groups have contributed to the wording of the questions. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete.
The link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/schsd2022
The survey is open from Monday 1 March to Thursday 1 April 2021.
11 February 2021
During this period of remote learning, learning tasks and resources will be available so that all children and young people can access them during the course of the school day/week. Guidance on remote learning has been produced and is available now.
27 January 2021
Half Term Key Worker Places
Andy Gray, Head of Schools and Lifelong Learning, Chief Education Officer has issued a letter to parents/carers regarding school places during half-term.
15 December 2020
As we are moving into the winter period, it is vitally important that all users of the school building follow Government guidelines regarding face coverings. We would like all young people to wear face coverings as advised by the Government.
We will be issuing new face covering exemption cards after the holiday and previous cards will no longer be valid. If your child is unable to wear a face covering due to medical reasons, we will require written confirmation from parent/ carer.
2 December 2020
S5/S6 Higher and Advanced Higher Assessment Timeline
SQA homepage link: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/95157.html
Discover holiday programme
Discover Christmas will run online between 23 December and 5 January with a programme of cooking and baking, arts and crafts, storytelling, dance, physical activity, STEM and more. Once recommended, families will be able to order a free box containing fresh and store cupboard ingredients, arts and crafts materials to allow them to take part in the online session as well as period products and information on support organisations. Families must have at least one child attending primary and/or S1 and S2. For more information on Discover please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
10 November 2020
Headteacher, Mr Wilson, has issued a letter about the new Parents' Evening Online Booking System. Also, check out the Parents' Guide on how to make video bookings for the evenings.
8 October 2020
Andy Gray, Chief Education Officer has issued a letter to parents/carers.
Translations of this letter are available in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese (Mandarin), Traditional Chinese (Cantonese), Turkish, Romanian, Polish and Urdu
****************
Mental Health Information Station REOPENING to the public on Thursday 8 October 2020
****************
Family Support
ECAS supports young people with disabilities on what to do when they leave school. This initiative helps young disabled people get support to achieve their aims. While it’s aimed at 18-30 year olds, they’re keen to speak to 6th year school pupils with disabilities to help them better plan their futures..
*******************
7 September 2020
Scottish Gas Network are starting work in the Dean Park Crescent/Learmonth Terrace, area Edinburgh on Monday 21 September 2020, which will last approximately 4 weeks.
This project is to upgrade their gas network and involves replacing the existing gas mains with new plastic pipe.
During this time they will replace approximately 50m of low pressure gas main. To facilitate the works it will be necessary to close Learmonth Terrace at its junction with Dean Park Crescent. Dean Park Crescent will also be closed to northbound traffic between Queensferry Road and Comely Bank Avenue. Access to these streets from Oxford Terrace will also be restricted. Local diversions will be in place during this time and parking suspensions will be in operation.
31 August 2020
Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, Scottish Government has issued a letter with updated information/guidance on the Common Cold and Covid-19 symptoms.
**************
Information has been issued about Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and Discord, some of the apps that a number of young people are using daily. They are each designed to provide important advice and information for parents and carers.
25 August 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
You will be aware of the growing call for secondary students to wear a face covering in communal areas in schools.
The following information has been shared with our students :
Following scientific advice the Scottish Government is asking schools to make sure that students wear a face covering when outside the classroom. So when you are moving between lessons, in the toilets or indoors for wet weather you will be expected to wear a face covering.
Student Actions:
- Bring a face covering to school every day
- Wear it when entering the building
- Wear it every time you leave your classroom
I would ask you please to ensure that your child has at least one face covering when leaving for school in the morning. Please discuss the fact that wearing a covering will help to protect them and everyone else in the school. This follows advice from the World Health Organisation.
Thank you
Mr J Wilson
Headteacher
24 August 2020
The NHS has issued a letter for Parents/Carers with advice on good practice for students being back at school.
14 August 2020
The return to school has been a great success for our students this week. As you can imagine, both students and staff have had to very quickly adapt to a whole new way of working. I would commend all school users for their patience and understanding while we collectively adjust our habits.
One of those habits is being inside the building during breaks and lunchtimes. As government guidelines have advised schools to avoid indoor gatherings of more than 50 we are continuing to ask students to spend their free time outside. This week it has been reassuring to see groups of young people making use of our extensive school grounds. They have been acting safely and sensibly and spending less time looking at their phones than usual. Long may that continue!
In order that we continue to mitigate risks associated with infection control, a small but important number of changes are being introduced from Monday 17 August. These are outlined below.
Staggered entry and re-entry into school building
Start of day
S1 & S2 8.30am One bell ring
S3 & S4 8.33am Two bell rings
S5 & S6 8.36am Three bell rings
At end of lunchtime, Mon- Thu
S1 & S2 1.50pm One bell ring
S3 & S4 1.53pm Two bell rings
S5 & S6 1.56pm Three bell rings
The school has received a small number of enquiries about the possibility of introducing ‘staggered lunches.’ In some local authorities staggered lunchtimes is the norm across most Secondary schools. It is important to bear in mind that staggered lunches usually mean slightly different start and end times, with the student population split into two or three groupings. Unless students are separated into groups of 50 or less, these staggered lunches do not fulfil the requirement to keep groups to 50 or below. In our school we would need to provide 23 separate lunchtimes per day in order to meet this requirement. This is why we have chosen to introduce outdoor breaks and lunchtimes instead.
Given what could be generously described as the variable climate in Scotland, I would urge parents and carers to ensure that your child goes to school with a rainproof jacket if the forecast suggests it might be necessary.
If the weather conditions indicate that being outdoors is higher risk than being indoors we will declare it a ‘wet weather’ day – a situation that our students will remember from Primary school days. This would result in the students being permitted back in the building. They would be asked to move into our central Hub area, the Assembly Hall area and our foyer area. Seating will be very limited in order to avoid face to face interaction for longer than 15 minutes. At all times, we will strive to take the safest course of action for young people in this temporary new normal.
It has been a real pleasure to see our young people back in our school this week. From the brand new S1 students who have forgotten the way to their classrooms to the very grown up S6, these young people are the lifeblood of our school community. I have great hopes for them individually and collectively. They are having to contend with a situation and social restrictions that have not been seen in anyone’s lifetime, yet they remain cheerful and enthusiastic. They also happen to be full of talent and are ready to work hard for success.
Mr J Wilson
Headteacher
*************
PE Clothing Requirements
All pupils will take part in physical education outside in a range of different physical activities.
Pupils will not have access to changing facilities on site.
On days pupils have PE can students come to school in their PE kit, red top/t-shirt and black leggings, shorts or jogging bottoms please?
Waterproofs or a suitable change of clothing in case of bad weather are essential - please check the weather forecast regularly so that you are best prepared for outdoor lessons.
Pupils will arrive in PE on the 1st floor and into the Games Hall along the corridor to the left of the Theatre, using the stairs at the end of the Maths corridor to access the corridor.
Each class will have a designated area in the Games Hall where they can leave their bags. No valuables can be handed to the teacher for safe-keeping and bags will not be locked away. Advice on valuables would be to leave them at home or use a school locker.
Thank you for your help in ensuring that the young people at Broughton High can maximise their learning experience in PE and minimise the risk of infection.
**************
Induction information for the safe return to school is available here.
***********
Available now is a summary of a letter to parents and carers, from Alistair Gaw, Executive Director of Communities and Families, 5th August 2020 in the following languages: English, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Cantonese, Polish, Mandarin and Romanian.
************
NEW TERM PHASED RETURN INFORMATION
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope you and your family have kept safe and well and have been able to enjoy the summer, strange as it has been. Wednesday 12 August will see the beginning of a phased return for students coming back to school. I and all of my colleagues are very much looking forward to seeing our young people again after such a long enforced absence.
Our phased return model balances the need to keep all members of the school community safe, allows our new S1 students some time to familiarise themselves with a completely new learning environment and gives all students the chance to re-adjust to school life. Throughout the first week and beyond we all need to bear in mind that we are still working through a global pandemic the like of which has not been seen in our lifetime and which may unfortunately get worse again before it gets better. I am convinced that if we work together and support each other, and if we acknowledge anxieties and make the most of our considerable strengths we will get through this.
The phased return from 12-14 August is shown in the table below:
|
NEW SESSION PHASED RETURN - Broughton High School
|
||||
|
Monday 10 August
|
Tuesday 11 August
|
Wednesday 12 August
|
Thursday 13 August
|
Friday 14 August
|
|
In Service Staff only
|
In Service Staff only
|
S1 & S2 PUPILS ONLY
S1 start at 8.30am, reporting to stations in the school concourse. S2 start at 9.30am, first lesson as a return induction with group tutor. S1 finish and depart 10 minutes early (3.20pm) S2 finish and depart 5 minutes early (3.25pm)
|
S1 & S2 PUPILS S3 & S4 PUPILS S1 start at 8.30am, reporting to stations in the school concourse. S2 start at 9.30am. S3 start at 10.20am. S4 start at 11.10am. S1 finish and depart 10 minutes early (3.20pm) S2 finish and depart 5 minutes early (3.25pm) |
S1 & S2 PUPILS S3 & S4 PUPILS S5 & S6 PUPILS S1-S4 start at 8.30am. S5 start at 9.30am, first lesson senior school induction. S6 start at 10.40am, for S6 induction. All students finish at normal Friday lunchtime. |
| Monday 17 August | Tuesday 18 August | Wednesday 19 August | Thursday 20 August |
Friday 21 August
|
| ALL PUPILS RESUME | ALL PUPILS RESUME | ALL PUPILS RESUME | ALL PUPILS RESUME | ALL PUPILS RESUME |
All students will be briefed and reminded on how best to keep themselves, and others, safe when in school. All staff will be similarly briefed and supported to keep themselves and our students safe. Information that we will share will be based on the Scottish Government’s most recent guidelines for schools. These have been adapted by the City of Edinburgh and further summarised by our Business Manager, Mrs Wallace. A copy of the staff version is attached for your information and a student-friendly version will be used when inducting our students next week. Please familiarise yourself with the attached guidelines and take the opportunity to discuss them with your child.
We have been assured that hand sanitising facilities will be installed throughout our school building and outside the front doors on time for the students returning on the 12th. Any student who wishes to wear a face covering in school will be permitted to do so. Some staff may also choose to wear a face covering. We will address any concerns about this when we welcome our students back.
Some Practicalities
During breaks and lunchtimes all students will be asked to move outside the building, which we know will be a safer environment than indoors. We are blessed with extensive school grounds which also offer various types of outdoor space.
- Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during morning break, apart from S5 and S6 seniors.
- During lunchtime S1 students must stay on school grounds. This will be the case until further notice.
- S2-S6 students who choose to leave school grounds during lunchtime must adhere to the current rules of wider society, for instance wearing a face covering when in shops. (This obviously applies to all students before and after the school day.)
- Students must wash their hands when returning back to the school building.
- Food available during morning break and lunchtimes will be of the ‘grab and go’ type. Students will not be able to use the seated dining area and instead will be asked to eat outside in order to minimise risk of infection.
- Parents and carers are encouraged to provide a packed lunch as this will reduce waiting time in queues.
- We encourage all students to adhere to school colours, although we will not be insisting on specific items of uniform. This is to help families with frequent washing requirements. I would ask parents and carers to support the school with the adherence to school colours. The need to engender a school identity and keep young people safe from intruders is as important as ever at this time.
- When moving between classes all students will be asked to keep to the left in order to reduce risk of infection. This is a practical way of mitigating risk and we are fortunate to have corridors that are more than 2 metres wide.
With support from the parental community the new normal in our school should become second nature fairly quickly.
It has become crystal clear that wider society needs schools to be in operation. As well as acquiring crucial skills and knowledge young people depend on the social interaction and personal development experiences that schools provide. Furthermore, without school provision the parental workforce cannot support economic recovery. Our school is right at the heart of the community. Let us work together to make the new school year a great success, despite the constraints of Covid-19.
We look forward to welcoming our children and young people back to Broughton HS from 12 August.
John J Wilson
Headteacher
Mental Wellbeing
Granton Youth Centre has prepared a guide for parents to create mental wellbeing at home during this pandemic.
Visual Stress Testing
At a recent Parent Council meeting a parent was invited to speak about her experiences with the ‘Visual Stress Test’.
It tests for a condition akin to, but not the same as, dyslexia. Many people, of all ages,who have had the test and prescribed a certain type of spectacles have had their lives transformed. Overlays and rulers can be used, but are less effective. However, just realising that this is a challenge can help people.
We have found some information online which is here:
https://www.crossboweducation.com/visual-stress-symptoms-and-solutions
https://www.eyesite.co.uk/childrens-eyesight/visual-stress-test/
We have been recommending to some of our students and parents NHS approved:
Crystal Optometry
8 Rodney Street Edinburgh EH7 4EA
https://crystaloptometry.co.uk/
Dorothy Crystal MCOptom specialises in the optometric investigation of reading, writing and learning difficulties (visual stress, learning, binocular instability and colorimetry https://crystaloptometry.co.uk/-10-visual-stress-dyslexia
*******************************
City of Edinburgh Council has issued information about Parental Involvement and Engagement, which describes ways in which you can be involved in the life of your child's school and engaged in your child's learning.
*******************************
Programmes, activities and groups information in the North West Locality is available now for parents and carers.
*******************************
FREE PARENT/CARER family conflict resolution training opportunity
When: Friday 7 February 2020
Where: Norton Park Training Centre, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY
To register your FREE place click here
Families can be complicated, loving, difficult, complex and conflicting even on a good day. Find out a bit more about resolving conflicts and improving relationships.
The SCCR delivers this training to provide some understanding around conflict as a parent/carer: exploring what conflict is, reviewing relationships, identifying potential triggers and ‘silly wee things’, reflecting on growing up, and looking at how we can respond to situations to find a resolution.
The course is short, simple, informative and interactive allowing parents/carers to informally share experiences and discuss related issues with others.
Who is it for?
The course is aimed parents/carers of young people and has been designed in such a way that it allows participants to share their knowledge and experience with other parents/carers. The delivery is informal and is a mix of presentation, discussion, activity and evaluation.
Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution is a national resource centre promoting and supporting best practice in mediation, family conflict resolution and early intervention. Through our free events, as well as online resources, the SCCR aims to encourage young people, their families and organisations to develop conflict resolutions skills to improve both relationships and life chances and ultimately reduce youth homelessness.
To register your FREE place click here
For further information on this and all other SCCR training and events being held across Scotland, please contact our Event Organiser, Yvonne Moffat, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0131 475 2493.
********************
Stress Control Classes for Adults
Stress Control classes can help people to manage stress better and understand the connection between stress, anxiety and low mood. You don’t have to be stressed to benefit. It can help you to avoid stress from building up in future.
If you are experiencing stress, want to avoid future stress or are just interested and want to find out more; then come along to one of our classes. Details of future classes are listed for each region across Edinburgh and the Lothians.’
Here is the link if you or anyone you know might be interested. https://services.nhslothian.scot/stresscontrol/Edinburgh/Pages/default.aspx
********************
Bike Thefts
Unfortunately there is an ongoing issue with bicycle thefts in North Edinburgh and beyond. Around the UK approximately half a million bikes are stolen every year.
In our school we provide a secure bike shed for use by students. It is kept locked through most of the school day. Although the incidence of theft from this facility is low, it is still upsetting for those who are victims when it happens.
If your child stores their bicycle in the school bike shed please ensure that it is well protected. The minimum security advised is the use of a D lock. Further advice is available in the article below. Stay safe.
https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/keep-your-bicycle-secure
***************
Relationships / Sexual Health / Parenthood Education
As you may be aware, a new national Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education resource has been developed for use in Scottish schools. TASC (Scotland) was commissioned to create the resource by a partnership of NHS Boards and Local Authorities with advice from Education Scotland and the Scottish Government. Further information is in this letter from Head of Schools and Lifelong Learning, Andy Gray.
************
The S2 Mandarin Rota for 2019-20 is available now.
************
Parents are asked to complete the Scottish Government survey below
Primary
Scottish Government would like to hear your views on your child’s school
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EdPiePrim/
Secondary
Scottish Government would like to hear your views on your child’s school
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EdPieSec/
Special
Scottish Government would like to hear your views on your child’s school
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EdPieSpec/
The survey closes on 12th August 2019.
Further information about Parental Engagement is available on the Council website:
***********************************
Parent and Carer Support and Information Sessions on Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Issues
The next Information and Support Session for Parents and Carers who are concerned about their pre-teen or teenager’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health takes place on Wednesday 5 June at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, 11-15 Moredunvale Place, Edinburgh EH17 7LB (Car Park available).
Each session has a different topic focus and there is an opportunity for parents and carers to meet other parents and supportive professionals in a safe relaxed environment. Parents and carers of 11-18 year olds from in and around Edinburgh are welcome to book to attend any of the sessions. The session on 5 June is on Self Harm.
This session will hopefully increase parents' and carers' understanding about Self Harm and offer some practical ways they can help young people who may consider or display self-harming behaviour.
The session will be facilitated by Torin Forest from Penumbra Edinburgh Self Harm Project. Torin provides information, advice and support to parents and family members of young people who self-harm and has lived experience of self-harm and recovery.
*************************************
Teen Triple P Groups
Applications are welcome directly from parents and carers or from professionals on parents' behalf. Applications can be made by completing our online application form or by completing this application form and emailing it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Details of Teen Triple P groups which are running across Edinburgh can be found alongside information on all parenting programmes at www.joininedinburgh.org/parenting-programmes
The next Teen Triple P Groups will run at Northfield Willowbrae Community Centre, 10 Northfield Road, Edinburgh EH8 7PP on Thursdays from 25 April till 27 June 2019 from 12.30 - 2.30pm. There are also groups at Rannoch Community Centre, Rannoch Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 7ER on Wednesdays from 1 May till 26 June 2019 from 9.30 - 11.30am.
****************************************
New Service for Parents/Carers of Someone with Eating Disorders
A new telephone peer coaching service available across Scotland for parent carers of a loved one with an eating disorder provided by Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, in partnership with NHS Lothian.
****************************************
Survey on Neglect
Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and NSPCC Scotland are working together to design a city wide campaign on neglect. As part of this they are keen to develop a better understanding of what parents in Edinburgh understand by the term neglect, what they would do if they suspected a child was being neglected and where families access support with parenting. They have created a short survey to do this, which should take between five and ten minutes to complete. By completing this survey, you are helping to ensure that the final campaign will be relevant to all families and contribute towards keeping all children in the city safe. Closing date for responses is 18 March.
***************************************
Thanks to the Broughton Association and a Scottish Government initiative, pupils now have access to a wide selection of free sanitary products in school. Supplies are available in departments throughout the school as well as Welfare.
Products include day and night time sanitary pads, both disposable and reusable, as well as tampons and menstrual cups (for those who wish to use them) when we have them in stock.
***************************************
Study Support
Study Support provides additional learning opportunities and support for learners outside the normal timetabled classroom hours.
Study Support opportunities for students sitting examination level subjects can be found here.
***************************************