Nurturing school lands national award

A PRESTIGIOUS award has been presented to Lockerbie Academy to mark the high standard of their ‘nurture’ work within the school.

They are one of only four secondary schools across Scotland to have been granted the National Nurturing Schools Award.

It follows a detailed assessment by Nurture UK earlier this month, which recognised that nurture is not an “add-on” at Lockerbie Academy – it is at the very heart of the school’s identity.

The official report highlights that the concept is “thoroughly embedded throughout the whole school”, shaping relationships, policies, leadership and everyday practice.

And it comes from the top with acting headteacher Kerry Currie, above right, and principal teacher of wellbeing Lesley Aird, above left, praised for providing strong and strategic leadership.

The report also highlighted the school’s clear understanding that meeting pupils’ needs cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach.

Also noted were the safe spaces and calm environments of The Hive and the Wellbeing Hub; and the nationally acclaimed distinctive “Boys to Men” programme, which focuses on boys’ mental health and confidence in S3.

Staff are also a priority, with a staff wellbeing forum, wellbeing ambassadors, and protected time for practical gestures of care and professional development.

Meanwhile, both pupils and parents spoke in glowing terms to Nurture UK, saying they felt understood, proud and safe thanks to the school.

Lockerbie businessman Gordon Reid, of MacRebur, was at the academy on Tuesday to present the award, pictured.

His firm sponsors the breakfast club and Mr Reid said: “I am a former pupil but it’s a completely different school to when I was here, in terms of the support on offer for the kids and the caring environment they’ve created.

“I think they’re doing a great job when it comes to nurture and I am delighted to support the breakfast initiative to give kids a better start to the day.

“Well done to Ms Currie and her team on achieving this impressive award.”