Primary school supports pupils in one of Glenrothes' most deprived areas

The project aims to achieve equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

Through the Scottish Government funding, Southwood has employed a family support worker to aid pupils and families to identify and share support that they may need.

Tracy McCallum, family support worker said: “ I offer an opportunity for pupils and their families to be heard and to identify any support that they need.

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"I liaise with school management on their behalf and can also signpost them to to any services that they may need.

"I also link with other services to achieve the best outcomes for families, which was highlighted with the recent holiday support with activity packs prepared by the Community Learning and Development team, alongside cooking packs with recipes and ingredients.

Tracy has also been helping to tackle holiday hunger and holds workshops on various topics such as effective budgeting and cookery classes for parents.

"With funding from the Cafe Inc budget we were able to buy and make up food packs for 40 families in both weeks of the October holidays,” she said.

"I have also offered a range of groups including arts and crafts, baking, Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, ‘Cooking the Books’ which looks at household budgets, and held four sessions where parents completed the REHIS elementary cooking skills course.”

“We have a really passionate and committed group of parents and carers at Southwood and they always do what they feel is best for their children.”

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