May 2021

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SERVICE - REGISTRATION - AUGUST 2021
Published: 26 May 2021

East Lothian Instrumental Music Service currently employs 19 highly qualified Instrumental Instructors and provides Instrumental tuition to pupils in both primary and secondary schools across the authority. Pupils are offered the opportunity to learn brass, woodwind, strings, percussion, piano, guitar and pipes with our experienced and inspiring Instructors. All our instructors are fully PVG checked and carry out regular safeguarding training. 

All tuition is offered from Primary 4 onwards, with the exception of percussion tuition, which starts from S1.

The Instrumental Music Service have created a 90-second showcase of their work.

The service aims to:

  • provide equal opportunities of access for all pupils to experience the expressive and creative qualities of music through learning to play an instrument
  • to help as many pupils as possible to realise their full musical potential through the playing of an instrument

Download the Instrumental Music Service Information Booklet 2021/22

New and returning pupils

Registration is now open for all pupils who have previously undertaken East Lothian Council instrumental music tuition. New pupils can also register to start lessons in August 2021 using the below online form.

Please ensure you read the following before completing the online registration form: Information for Parents/Carers, Guidance Notes, Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement.

LETTER FOR PARENTS/CARERS - ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - 17 MAY 2021
Published: 17 May 2021

We all acknowledge that the last 14 months has been incredibly challenging for everyone and especially for our young people, with COVID-19 restrictions limiting their ability to meet up with friends. As restrictions are gradually eased, we all welcome the increased opportunities that young people have to spend time with each other and to socialise. We want to ensure that young people are able to do so in a safe manner which does not adversely impact on them or people living in our local communities. We know that the vast majority of young people behave responsibly, with respect for others and the environment. Full details are availalbe in the letter issued from East Lothian Council and Police Scotland on Monday 17 May 2021.

SUBJECT CHOICE INFORMATION SENT BY EMAIL - 14 MAY 2021
Published: 14 May 2021

As you will be aware we are intending to move to our new timetable on 14 June 2021. Students in S2-S5 have, this afternoon, been sent an email giving details of the current subject choices that they have been allocated.

We operate a ‘free choice’ system in order to try and give as many pupils as possible their first choice combination of subjects, however this can never be 100% successful for a variety of reasons.

The vast majority of pupils have received their first choices or their reserve choices. In cases where this has not been possible, pupils have been spoken to by a DHT or Pupil Support Leader.

Further changes to coursing may be necessary, but we aim to keep this to a minimum and House Teams will speak to pupils where this is necessary.

If you have any issues regarding your choices please complete the details using the Course Choice Changes Google Form by Thursday 20 May 2021 at 3.30 pm.

NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 2021 GROUP STATEMENT - DISRUPTION TO LEARNING
Published: 11 May 2021

The following statement was released by The National Qualifications 2021 Group on Monday 10 May 2021.  It is appreciated that you may have concerns regarding the levels of disruption to your learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects this will have on gathering the evidence that your teachers or lecturers need to determine provisional results for National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher.

Flexibility in gathering learner evidence

Provisional results in 2021 will be based on teachers and lecturers using assessment evidence of your knowledge, skills and understanding of the course. For teachers and lecturers to do this, you will need to complete tests or assessments set by your school, college or training provider.

The key difference between the formal SQA exam diet, which was cancelled for 2021, and the assessments that you will take in your school, college or training provider is the flexibility around how and when assessments take place. This means that, as far as possible, there should be maximum opportunity for you to complete the required learning and be given the best chance to succeed in your course assessments. See below for more information about what to do if you feel this is not the case for you.

The flexibility available to teachers and lecturers this year means that the opportunities for gathering evidence do not need to be based on a single assessment. Schools, colleges and training providers are being encouraged to make use of this flexibility in gathering the right quality of assessment evidence that shows your knowledge, skills and understanding of your course.

Schools, colleges and training providers also need to provide additional assessment arrangements, as they would under normal circumstances, for those learners who are disabled or have identified additional support needs.

If you need any additional assessment arrangements, and do not feel they are being provided to you, or you feel that your opportunity for generating evidence is being restricted please speak to your teacher or lecturer in the first instance. Schools, colleges and training providers have established processes in place and will advise you on what to do should you remain unhappy with the outcome of those discussions. This may include, for example, at a later stage, further discussion with your headteacher/centre manager or engagement with other local processes beyond the centre, if necessary.

Summary of steps taken to address disruption to learning

A number of steps have been taken to support teachers and lecturers and to help ensure as many learners as possible can generate the assessment evidence required to decide their provisional results. This includes:

  • removing assignments and reducing content in many National Courses
  • giving schools, colleges and training providers more time to submit your provisional results
  • enhancing the e-Sgoil E-learning offer to support learners who for a variety of reasons have experienced extreme disruption to their learning
  • offering a small number of learners, who have completed their course but who have been unable to complete all the required evidence, the option to receive their Scottish Qualifications Certificate at a later date.

What to do next

If your personal circumstances have resulted in extreme disruption to your learning, including if you are or have been shielding, please speak to your school, college or training provider. As mentioned above, they will have established processes in place and will advise you on the options available to you and what to do should you remain unhappy with the outcome of your discussions. This may include, for example, at a later stage, further discussion with your headteacher/centre manager or engagement with other local processes beyond the centre, if necessary.

To stay up to date on National Qualifications for 2021 visit www.sqa.org.uk/learners

NEW COVID-19 TEST CENTRE FOR EAST LOTHIAN RESIDENTS READY TO OPEN
Published: 04 May 2021

A new Covid-19 testing centre aimed at identifying positive cases among people showing no symptoms of the virus will open in Musselburgh on Friday, 30 April 2021.

Almost 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but can still be infectious and pass on COVID-19 to loved ones, friends and others in the community. By getting tested – even if they feel fine – people from across East Lothian can help break chains of transmission in their local area.

The new community testing facility, funded by the Scottish Government, located at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre, opens from 12 pm - 6 pm on Friday, 30 April 2021. It will be open again from 11 am - 6 pm on Saturday. Thereafter the opening hours will be (Tuesday - Saturday) 11 am - 6 pm. No appointment is required.

The address is: 5 Stoneyhill Farm Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RN

The facility, which is open to all East Lothian residents without symptoms, is expected to stay open for several months and is complemented by the deployment of mobile test units across several local communities. Getting tested is quick and easy and staff are on hand to help those attending.

People can also order free lateral flow home test kits test themselves twice-weekly. More information on the Scottish Government website.

Sharon Saunders, Head of Communities, East Lothian Council:

“The launch of this new facility for the people of East Lothian is another significant step in helping build on progress to suppress the spread of COVID-19 across our communities and move to an even less restrictive way of life.

“It’s great news that more and more people have been receiving vaccinations. But the reality is that the COVID-19 does still present a significant risk and, it’s possible to have and be spreading the virus without knowing it. Getting tested – even if you’ve received your vaccination – means you can find out if you are positive, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others, by self-isolating.

“Please do your bit to help to reduce transmission of the virus.

“We only want people to get tested at this facility if they have no Covid-19 symptoms. This is really important, so if you have any of the main Covid-19 symptoms – a fever (high temperature), a new, continuous cough or loss of taste and/or smell – please book a test immediately at a different location via NHS Inform: Test and Protect"

Q&A

What happens at the test?

  • The facility at Stoneyhill and the mobile units are safe and secure and follow the strictest hygiene and cleaning guidelines. Staff will support and guide you throughout your visit.
  • When you attend a site please ensure that you are wearing a face covering and continue to follow physical distancing guidance.
  • The test you are taking is called a lateral flow test. You will be asked to register using your mobile phone. If you don’t have a phone, you will be assisted to register.
  • You will be directed to a booth where you will get instructions on how to take the test.  Staff are on hand to help. A swab is put into a tube and taken away by a member of staff to be analysed.
  • After you have taken the test please return to your home or car and stay there until you receive your test results. Please do not go shopping to carry out any other activities until you receive your test results.
  • You will receive your results approximately 45 minutes after you take the test.
  • If you don’t have a mobile phone, a member of staff will ask you to wait in a designated area. Please wait here until a member of staff tells you your results.

What happens if the test results are negative?

  • This would mean that you are not carrying the virus at that time but please continue to follow the public FACTS public health guidance and any other relevant protection measures in place in the local area.

What happens if the test results are positive?

  • You need to take what is called a PCR test to confirm your positive test results. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713. You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.
  • If your PCR test is then positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date you receive the result of your PCR test. NHS Test and Protect will then contact you and ask you to identify any close contacts you may have been in touch with. Everyone in your household and any other close contacts will need to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of your PCR test.

What happens if the test results are void?

  • You will need to take what is called a PCR test. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713.
  • You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.

How can I get tested if I’m not able to visit the facility in Musselburgh?

  • Mobile test units are currently being deployed in local communities. You can take a rapid test at one of the mobile units. View the current schedule here.
  • Alternatively, you can also order free lateral flow home test kits test. More information on the Scottish Government website.

What should I do if I do have symptoms of COVID-19?

  • As the Stoneyhill facility is for asymptomatic testing only, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 make an appointment elsewhere through the NHS Inform website: Self-help guide: Access to testing for coronavirus or telephone 0300 303 2713.
  • The phone line is available between 7 am and 11 pm Monday - Sunday. If you have tested positive for COVID, you must self isolate.

If you need general advice (not Health advice), advice on self-isolation support grants, assistance with food or assistance with fuel poverty either:

Other helpful telephone numbers:

  • East Lothian Council - 01620 827827
  • 24 hour emergency line - 01875 612818
  • Emergency Social Work - 0800 731 6969