Latest news with #ASN
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
ScotGov urged to back expansion of ASN college model
The college was founded by Capability Scotland and is supported by funding from the Scottish Government. It is the only specialist college for people with complex additional needs and offers "a tailored further education programme" for young people with additional support needs between the ages 18 and 25. Courses are available in areas such as building-based skills development, education, community access, and more. Under the existing funding arrangements, Corseford College has capacity for forty students, with all places currently allocated. Speaking to The Herald, Head of College Liz McConnachie explained that each year she has to turn down around as many applications as she accepts, and warns that there is little if any alternative provision for those who cannot be accommodated. Ms McConnachie also highlighted geographical constraints, noting that people in most of Scotland are unable to access Corseford College, making the lack of similar centres in other parts of the country an especially pressing concern. Graduate Lauren Wishart with Capability Scotland Chief Executive Brian Logan (Image: Gordon Terris) The inaugural graduation ceremony recognised thirteen students who have completed their programmes. It also saw three individuals honoured with further recognition: an Honorary Graduate Prize was given to Jamie Thomson and Olivia Turner, and a Maria Brownlie Award, given in honour of a former student who passed away last year, went to Ali Chaudhry. READ MORE Parents say lack of inclusive further education must change Families still have to fight the system for pupils with ASN Speaking after the graduation event, Capability Scotland Chief Executive Brian Logan said that parents and staff are very proud of the young people involved, and that the day had been a 'real celebration of everything that they've achieved.' He went on to explain that Corseford's unique model had been developed and made successful thanks to the 'perseverance' of staff, and called for everyone who needs it in Scotland to have the right to the same type of support. 'That transition – to move from childhood into adulthood – is really challenging and at the moment, with the exception of Corseford College, there's no real opportunity for people to continue their educational journey. That right should be there for everyone. It's about equity and about inclusion, and without the type of provision that we have that opportunity to learn and grow.' 'We have demonstrated that this model is successful, we know that there is demand for this type of provision right across the country, we get applications from other parts of Scotland which we – at the moment – can't service. We know the demand is there. We know the model is successful. Our ask is that this is replicated across the country so that everyone has this opportunity, and that we put the funding on a much more sustainable footing. 'It's unfair that there are people across the country being denied this opportunity. We think we can set up satellites based on the Corseford model across the rest of Scotland. We want to do that and we want to work in partnership with the government to make sure that it is delivered.' Despite being opened by a Scottish Government minister (Jamie Hepburn MSP), Corseford had been facing the threat of closure when pilot funding ran out this year. However, the recent budget deal between the SNP, Scottish Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrats secured a further £700,000 to keep the facility operational. Some of the 2025 graduates of Corseford College. L-R: Sophie James-Rae, Darren Fitzpatrick, Fraser McAlpine, Jamie Thomson, Ali Chaudhry, and Bryan Brownlie. (Image: Gordon Terris) During a recent session of the Scottish Parliament's Education, Children and Young People Committee, Minister for Further Education Graeme Dey revealed that the government has received a report that has reached 'broadly positive conclusions as to the impact' of Corseford's model. He added: 'I would be optimistic that we will have something very positive to say about this fairly quickly.' Asked whether ministers are planning to fund the establishment of more specialist colleges like Corseford, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'The Scottish Government has received the independent evaluation report for Corseford College and we are currently considering its content. As the Further Education Minister has indicated, there will be further detail provided on this shortly.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Councillors to decide on £100m East Ayrshire school investment
The programme of refurbishment, extensions and rebuilds would cover more than a dozen East Ayrshire schools. East Ayrshire Council has unveiled a five‑year investment £100 million plan to refurbish, extend or rebuild more than a dozen schools, as well as delivering Scotland's first EnerPHit‑certified primary in Galston. The blueprint is set to go before the council's Cabinet on Wednesday ( June 18) as part of its Learning Estate Management Plan 2023‑24. The 85‑page report shows all but one of the area's 54 learning establishments are now in A‑ or B‑rated condition (13 'good', 40 'satisfactory' and only St Sophia's temporarily classed C while its deep‑retrofit is completed). Suitability has climbed too, with 26 schools rated 'excellent' and 18 'good'. However, pupil numbers remain below the council's 85 per cent occupancy target, averaging 78.8 per cent in primaries and 75 per cent in secondaries. The increasing population in the north of the authority is seeing the greatest pressure on schools, with Annanhill in Kilmarnock, Lainshaw and Stewarton primaries all above 90 per cent. And Stewarton Academy has hit 87 per cent — pressure the council hopes to ease with a £20.5 million extension and ASN wing due to start next year. Further refurbishments are pencilled in for Logan, Dunlop, Mount Carmel, Nether Robertland and Loudoun Academy, while Lainshaw Primary will gain a four‑class extension and new drop‑off loop to meet 'unprecedented' housing‑driven growth. The plan flags a 'rapidly changing profile' of additional‑support‑needs pupils: with 31 per cent of East Ayrshire children having an ASN record, and specialist placements up 153 per cent since 2017. Officials say every major project will follow Scotland's Learning Estate Strategy and the council's own net‑zero roadmap. St Sophia's EnerPHit pilot, which has received £4.3 m in Scottish Government funding, is expected to cut heating demand by up to 80 per cent and provide a template for other retrofits. If Cabinet approves the priorities, detailed design work will begin over the summer so contractors can break ground early in the 2025/26 financial year.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Joyce University Expands Nursing Education to Residents in South Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aspiring nurses in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas can now prepare for RN licensure in as few as 20 months. Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences announced today that is expanding its innovative hybrid pre and post-licensure nursing programs into these states, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality nursing education nationwide. Joyce University continues to purposefully expand beyond its Utah origins, now offering programs across 16 states. This continued expansion reflects Joyce University's dedication to addressing the nationwide shortage of skilled nursing professionals through flexible, career-oriented educational pathways. 'Joyce University is driven by our shared vision to create educational opportunities that transform lives and positively impact communities,' said Josh Knotts, interim President and CEO. 'Expanding into South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas underscores our commitment to providing students nationwide with accessible, high quality nursing education that meets the evolving needs to today's healthcare environment.' With this expansion, students in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas will have access to Joyce University's robust range of nursing programs, including the 20-month Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), traditional 3 year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN) for career changers. For those seeking career advancement, the university offers two online post-licensure programs: the 4 semester RN to BSN and the 3 semester MSN in Leadership. Joyce University's hybrid education model combines convenient online coursework with immersive, hands-on skills training at the Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation in Draper, Utah. Local clinical placements are conducted within South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas, allowing students to gain valuable experience within their communities. Enrollment for South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas students is now open, with the next cohort beginning September 2, 2025. For more information about Joyce University programs or employment opportunities, visit ABOUT JOYCE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1979, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences' mission is to prepare students to serve as competent professionals, to advance their careers, and to pursue lifelong learning. Located in Draper, Utah, Joyce University is proud to have helped thousands of students across the US graduate and launch lasting healthcare careers. With a recent expansion of its pre-licensure programs to select regional locations, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin, Joyce University's expansion enables aspiring nurses in these regions to access the same high-quality education and opportunities that have defined the institution for decades. Join them as they continue to shape the future of healthcare, one student at a time. Joyce University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for the Associate of Science in Nursing degree program and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Abortion Survivors Network: The World's Only Support Group For The Born-Alive
A little-known but growing nonprofit is working to amplify the stories of individuals who survived abortion procedures — and to challenge long-standing assumptions surrounding the issue. The Abortion Survivors Network (ASN) is the only organization in the world solely dedicated to supporting abortion survivors — people who were born alive after an abortion attempt — and their families. Founded over 20 years ago, ASN offers direct aid, trauma support, and community to survivors, as well as to their mothers and relatives affected by the experience. 'We are the only organization worldwide who serves babies who are surviving abortions still today,' ASN states in its mission video. With a survivor database now exceeding 675 individuals, ASN also works to expose what it calls the 'cultural myth' that abortions never fail. The organization connects survivors with counselors and peer groups, while advocating for public recognition and legal protections. That recognition is starting to reach the national policy stage. In January 2025, the White House released a strongly supporting H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO). 'The Administration strongly supports H.R. 21 … and applauds the House for its efforts to protect the most vulnerable and prevent infanticide,' the statement reads.'A baby that survives an abortion and is born alive into this world should be treated just like any other baby born alive.' The bill would mandate that any newborn who survives an abortion attempt must receive immediate medical care and be admitted to a hospital. It would also provide legal protections for mothers, while holding practitioners accountable for negligence or failure to report such incidents. ASN's founder and staff say legislation like this affirms the core of their mission — to ensure survivors are seen, valued, and protected. 'Your story matters. And so do you,' the organization tells survivors.
STV News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Council to redeploy teachers to meet growing additional support need demand
Trade unions are alarmed at Renfrewshire Council plans to redeploy teachers in early years settings to meet growing demand in additional support needs (ASN) education. Concerns have been voiced that the change, which is due to affect nine teachers and comes into force from August, could impact the quality of provision in nurseries. They believe this step is being taken in spite of educational arguments against it and would rather see a specific injection of staff into ASN where the need is acute. A report prepared by EIS Renfrewshire Local Association, tabled at the joint negotiating committee for teaching staff on Tuesday, set out their objections. It said: 'Renfrewshire Council's decision to remodel the staffing provision within their early years settings has led to the removal of GTCS-registered teachers from Renfrewshire nurseries, a decision that will deny children access to a GTCS-qualified teacher. 'EIS funded, independent research confirms the importance of maintaining a GTCS-registered teacher workforce in all pre-school settings for all children. 'The findings support the conclusions of previous research that employing the skills and leadership of qualified teachers remains the best way to ensure a quality educational experience in all nursery settings. 'Curriculum for Excellence supports a seamless curricular model spanning the three to 18 age range. It is crucial, therefore, that there is an appropriate level of teacher involvement in every nursery setting thereby providing continuity into primary school. 'GTCS-registered teachers make a distinctive contribution to the education of all children and to delivering the early interventions that are essential in minimising the impact of poverty on all children's educational outcomes both within the early years and beyond.' When contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council defended the new model and addressed worries expressed by the unions. A spokesperson said: 'The teachers in question are being redeployed to improve the way we support children with additional support needs at the early-learning stage. They will still be working with nursery-age children, as well as some primary ones. 'The changes were agreed after listening to feedback from our school and nursery heads around how best to meet the increasing demand for ASN support, which all councils are experiencing. The staff involved have been fully consulted on the changes. 'The new model will allow children who need extra support beyond that provided in their nursery to be given additional sessions in a flexible learning resource where they will get the specialist help they need. 'It also includes outreach where the same teachers will visit children in the nursery they already attend to work with them in an environment the child is familiar with. 'It also means we can target this support to the children who need it most, meaning there will be fairness and equity of access across Renfrewshire.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
