InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk


Spring 2015


5 School investment update


Inverclyde Council’s £270 million schools estate programme continues apace. The £5.9 million refurbishment at


Ardgowan Primary in Greenock is making good progress and is due to be completed in May. The project will see a new three storey extension to accommodate changing rooms, staff facilities and other support accommodation. It also includes a new double height assembly hall/ gymnasium extension. The playground will include a new 135 square metre multi-use games area, raised social space, seating and covered canopy structure. Contractors are also on site at the


£2.8 million refurbishment project at St John’s Primary in Port Glasgow. The project includes extensions forming a new dining area/activity space and


nursery class facility. A multi-use games area will also be installed, with work scheduled to be completed by August 2015. In addition, the Council has agreed


to build a brand new £7 million state- of-the-art building for St Patricks Primary in Greenock. It is anticipated work will begin on site in summer 2015 and be completed by October 2016. The school would be decanted to the former Sacred Heart Primary school. The £3.9 million refurbishment of


Kilmacolm Primary has been brought forward and will see staff and pupils move temporarily to the former St Stephen’s High School in Autumn 2015. The nursery school will remain on site in temporary modular accommodation. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2016.


The return of the Recruit


Inverclyde’s flagship personal development programme kicks off for the ninth successive year, with senior pupils from across Inverclyde battling it out to become ‘The Recruit’. The award-winning personal


development programme, developed by Inverclyde Council rewards the top candidates with job opportunities. Over the years, 73 young people have secured jobs as a direct result of the programme with many more securing employment as a result of the experience. The Recruits undertake a variety of


challenges and activities from May to August giving almost 500 hours of their own time to the innovative programme – quite an interview process.


It equips them with the essential


skills required to develop successful future careers and includes the Entrepreneur Challenge where teams set up their own business and see how much profit they can generate. The support received from local


businesses is second to none, often becoming an important and supporting recruitment. Over the last eight years The Recruit


has raised more than £80,000 for Ardgowan Hospice, with £10,000 donated from the 2014 programme.


If your organisation would like to get involved with The Recruit this year please contact Robert Lamb on 01475 715548 or via email Robert.lamb@inverclyde.gov.uk


Young people presented with awards by Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire


Inverclyde schools have the highest duke of edinburgh Award participation rate per head of population in Scotland. With competition for jobs and further


education so high, the award is providing a real alternative for young people, and participation in Inverclyde has gone up by 28% in a year, with more than 295 young people now taking part. In 2013/14, 111 young people achieved bronze, 36 silver and 26 gold awards. The Council’s community learning


and development young work team, with the support of Inverclyde schools, provide free evening and weekend


activities so that young people have the opportunity to participate. It is proposed that more young people


with additional support needs be brought into the scheme so that all 14 to 24 year-olds get the opportunity to take part. Committee Vice Convener Councillor


Jim Clocherty said: “Inverclyde has attained an astonishing set of achievements and I am delighted to see the award having a real impact in Inverclyde. We are proud of our inclusive approach which sees young people from all areas of Inverclyde and from a range of backgrounds taking part equally.”


Inverclyde Alcohol and drug Partnership (ADP) Pupils-take up the challenge


Provide the community with information about support available for people who are experiencing difficulties because of their own or someone else’s alcohol and drug misuse Visit our website at: www.inverclydeadp.org.uk/


Find out who your local councillor is and how you can get in touch on page 11


Artists impression of the new St Patrick’s Primary School


Inverclyde praised for Duke of Edinburgh Award success


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