Stolen pupil files — update statement from our Headteacher, Mr John Wilson
As the Headteacher I was contacted at home during the summer break and informed that the files had gone missing as a result of a burglary. The member of staff concerned, who reports directly to her line manager based outwith the school itself, and the City of Edinburgh took appropriate emergency action to minimise the potential damage as a result of the loss of the files. Needless to say the families who were affected received apologies from Council officers as well as being kept informed about the investigation. All the files were recovered intact.
Below is an extract from a statement issued from Council headquarters on 20th July 2012.
‘Action Taken
The Police were contacted immediately by the member of staff. She was able to identify the children whose records were affected and this afternoon attempts were made to contact the parents of all affected children by phone. Letters were also courier delivered to each affected household. The Information Commissioner’s office has been contacted by phone to alert them and this will be followed up with a written report.
Next Steps
Senior Officers within Children and Families are investigating the circumstances. We are working with the member of staff to identify the chain of events and appropriate action will be taken.
All staff will be reminded of their role in ensuring that confidential information is kept safe and secure.’
John J Wilson
Headteacher
Broughton’s Performance School profile rises
This week’s blog post from the Scottish FA highlights the unique learning and growing environment for future footballers at Broughton. Coach Greg Miller, a former J-League manager and head of youth at Stirling Albion, says that four years of steady training without any pressure over team selection is crucial to developing a culture of physical and mental performance. See that very interesting blog post here.
Pupil files stolen from Edinburgh City Council worker’s home
Parents and carers may have heard of the theft of school records over the summer. Just to clarify what is known about this, here is the text of the report by BBC News online, from 19 July, 2012.
“An investigation has been launched after 45 school pupil files were stolen from an Edinburgh City Council worker’s home.
The files relate to pupils at Broughton High School, Granton Primary and Forthview Primary who have had contact with the Education Welfare Service.
The files were stolen during a burglary on Wednesday.
The council said the files were “predominantly” about school attendance.
An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman told the BBC Scotland news website: “We are working closely with the police on this matter but believe that these files weren’t targeted by the thief.
‘We are making contact with all the families this information relates to and have made staff available to them to help with any questions or concerns they may have’.”
Summer 2012 Newsletter — for those who missed it
For families that didn’t get a chance to see the School newsletter, the link is here. It’s useful reading! Check it out if you haven’t yet.
‘Attend to Achieve’ — Broughton High School’s attendance polity
Here is Broughton’s attendance policy, taken from the School website, just to clarify policy for new parents and carers.
“Most pupils go to school every day and enjoy it. Some children though have problems in attending school. This could be for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you, as a parent or guardian are aware of it, sometimes not. It is very important all pupils do attend school regularly, so they make the most of the learning opportunities available to them and therefore make the most of themselves. Their future depends on it.
The total number of school days per year for pupils is 190. Losing even a few can have an effect. Missing out lessons can leave gaps in knowledge which can be hard to fill later. This is why ensuring your child attends school is crucial. This session we will be working even harder in school to improve attendance. I would ask that you support the school in this matter by
contacting the school if your child is unable to attend.
What to do if your child cannot attend school:
Telephone 0131 332 3106 or email admin@broughton.edin.sch.uk on the first day of absence. When your child returns to school please give them a note of explanation of the absence – this should be given by the pupil to the group tutor. If the absence is to be prolonged the pupil’s guidance teacher will make arrangements for work to be sent home.
These procedures should help your child achieve their potential. Working together, school staff and parents can make a difference. Unless there are exceptional reasons, permission for holidays in term time will be refused. As part of our School Improvement Plan we hope to significantly reduce the number of student absences in session 2012 – 2013.”
