Harmeny School. Elaine Bailey
Wed, Oct 18th 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Elaine Bailey delivered an excellent presentation on the role of Harmeny School which is located in Balerno. The organisation has charitable status and caters for children between six and thirteen years old who have suffered from traumatic events such as abuse. These children are amongst the most vulnerable people in Scotland and the primary aim is to educate them and give them back their childhood. The children are referred by local authorities throughout Scotland and they are encouraged to develop relationships and learn to trust people again.
The School is the former home of Sir William McEwan Younger who donated the property to Save the Children in 1958. As this charity has a worldwide involvement it was decided that it would be preferable if it could be managed by a Scottish Trust.
Around thirty children are cared for by the School, twenty-four on a residential basis and six day pupils. The pupils are supported by a staff of one hundred and forty given the extent of their needs. The children have challenging behaviours and are difficult to relate to. They can stay for up to five years with the average term being three to four years. Six children live in each cottage, each child having their own bedroom, and nine staff are in attendance. There is a mixed age group in each cottage and children can choose their own colour schemes etc. to suit their own personal taste. All their meals are provided for them. A purpose-built education block exists with six children allocated to each class. Each class is supported by a teacher, care worker and support worker.
The School is funded by a Scottish Government grant whilst local authorities pay £125,000 per year for each child allocated a place. Owing to cutbacks it is likely that this grant will be withdrawn and the gap would have to be filled by additional fundraising. The aim is for each child to reach an appropriate standard so that they can move into mainstream education. Some pupils, however, may attend mainstream schools but still stay at Harmeny.
Most of the pupils at Harmeny would be unable to remain in a classroom for several hours a day so there is a great emphasis on learning by doing e.g. camping, cycling, gardening etc. Five years ago, £30,000 was raised to provide a community garden and this has been a great success. Fruit, vegetables and plants are grown with produce being used in the kitchens. Any excess is sold at the Balerno market. Many pupils have the opportunity to engage in 1:1 sessions with the gardener and this can be most beneficial. Volunteers from organisations such as Standard Life and RBS provide teams to help the School and this is greatly appreciated. All children are encouraged to cycle and maintain their bikes. A group called the Pit Stop Crew visit Balerno market and they will check and repair bikes where necessary.
Elaine concluded her excellent talk by confirming that she would be delighted to organise a site visit should Club members be interested in participating. Ken Lindsay delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Club.
The School is the former home of Sir William McEwan Younger who donated the property to Save the Children in 1958. As this charity has a worldwide involvement it was decided that it would be preferable if it could be managed by a Scottish Trust.
Around thirty children are cared for by the School, twenty-four on a residential basis and six day pupils. The pupils are supported by a staff of one hundred and forty given the extent of their needs. The children have challenging behaviours and are difficult to relate to. They can stay for up to five years with the average term being three to four years. Six children live in each cottage, each child having their own bedroom, and nine staff are in attendance. There is a mixed age group in each cottage and children can choose their own colour schemes etc. to suit their own personal taste. All their meals are provided for them. A purpose-built education block exists with six children allocated to each class. Each class is supported by a teacher, care worker and support worker.
The School is funded by a Scottish Government grant whilst local authorities pay £125,000 per year for each child allocated a place. Owing to cutbacks it is likely that this grant will be withdrawn and the gap would have to be filled by additional fundraising. The aim is for each child to reach an appropriate standard so that they can move into mainstream education. Some pupils, however, may attend mainstream schools but still stay at Harmeny.
Most of the pupils at Harmeny would be unable to remain in a classroom for several hours a day so there is a great emphasis on learning by doing e.g. camping, cycling, gardening etc. Five years ago, £30,000 was raised to provide a community garden and this has been a great success. Fruit, vegetables and plants are grown with produce being used in the kitchens. Any excess is sold at the Balerno market. Many pupils have the opportunity to engage in 1:1 sessions with the gardener and this can be most beneficial. Volunteers from organisations such as Standard Life and RBS provide teams to help the School and this is greatly appreciated. All children are encouraged to cycle and maintain their bikes. A group called the Pit Stop Crew visit Balerno market and they will check and repair bikes where necessary.
Elaine concluded her excellent talk by confirming that she would be delighted to organise a site visit should Club members be interested in participating. Ken Lindsay delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Club.
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