Frances Johnston from The Compass School shares their experience of working with Fast Forward.

“The Compass School is an independent primary school in Haddington, East Lothian, for girls and boys from Nursery to Primary 7. Children attending the school enjoy its friendly and caring environment in which they can feel secure and happy and in which they are encouraged to succeed, developing confidence skills and ability.

As part of the school’s continuing focus on Health and Wellbeing and Digital Skills and our commitment to keeping abreast of current risks, we were delighted to be involved with the Gambling Awareness programme offered by Fast Forward. From our first online meeting, Donna Brunton showed enthusiasm, expertise and professionalism in supporting our school to learn more about the risks and harms associated with gambling.

In April, our staff were treated to in-person training where they engaged with activities and discussion relating to gambling awareness. Following this session, we have added this to our curriculum planners as part of “risk-taking behaviours” education.

Staff training was followed a workshop for our Primary 6 and 7 children who were able to share their experiences of gambling behaviours in the online world where so many of them are engaged with gaming and aware of temptation such as loot boxes. They also reflected on their experience of online shopping sites and national lottery advertisements as well as slot machines and toy grabbers in amusement arcades. Donna encouraged the children to be open and honest whist making the session fun and engaging. Feedback from the children was very positive as they reflected on their raised awareness of where to get help if they found themselves being drawn into temptation online.

The final session was delivered via a webinar for parents and carers from The Compass School. Participants were supported to consider potential risks and harms associated with gambling addiction and given practical advice on setting monetary limits, recognising potential risk-taking behaviours and how and where to get help.

We would like to thank Fast Forward, the Scottish Gambling Education Hub and particularly Donna Brunton for her informative sessions which have raised awareness, expanded our knowledge and added to our ability to educate the young people at The Compass School to make informed choices regarding risk-taking behaviours.”

Frances Johnston

Deputy Head Teacher

The Compass School.