Kibble Admin

Posted: March 9, 2022

Goudie Academy marked No Smoking Day by producing a video and hosting an informative assembly. Across Kibble, there is a tobacco-free policy as young people and staff are supported in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Pupils held a school assembly to increase awareness of the risks associated with smoking and the dangers of nicotine. Young people themselves created a video that was educational as well as humorous to capture the attention of their fellow pupils at the meeting.

Within the production, one pupil took on the persona of ‘Professor Nicotine’ and shared scientific facts. Our mathematics teacher became Countdown’s Carol Vorderman to emphasise the high cost of smoking. As a result, pupils thoroughly agreed they would rather spend money on fun, luxurious items instead, including a fancy car. Young people confirmed their advice to any smokers would be, “stop smoking now to be minted later.”

Staff were invited to discuss their thoughts and when asked by young people to describe smoking in one word, the answers ranged from “stinky” and “unhealthy”.

Through funding from the Renfrewshire Health Improvement Team, Kibble has dedicated Smoke Free Coordinators.

“I encourage young people to make healthy choices by teaching them about the dangers of smoking. As young people become well-informed about the dangers smoking and nicotine cause, they are more likely to decide never to start, or to quit. I am readily available to fully support and assist young people to stay tobacco-free and lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Smoke Free Coordinator, Barry

We are mindful of our responsibility to the health, safety and wellbeing of all at Kibble. Overall, No Smoking Day was a reminder to young people to happily remain tobacco-free.

Posted: March 7, 2022

The last Friday of February marked Purple Friday, the LGBT Youth Scotland annual fundraising day. Kibble celebrated and whole-heartedly joined in to raise funds through events and activities.

For Purple Friday, a collective challenge was set. All participants across Scotland had the mission to collectively walk the outline of the country in one day and raise £20,000. As part of the feat, Team Kibble had to walk a minimum of 5K and raise £350. By the end of the day, Team Kibble had impressively surpassed the target to reach an incredible 331K.

Across Kibble, everyone was determined to contribute steps to the overall total. There were group walks planned at The Skills Academy, Forest View primary school and amongst staff teams such as our Learning and Development department. The step count was boosted with Zumba and a stationary bike that was kept moving throughout the day. While our bake sale was constantly busy with delicious treats selling like hotcakes, increasing the amount raised in our purpose of ensuring LGBT people are valued.

As staff, pupils and young people came together with the shared vision of making Scotland as inclusive as possible, a strong sense of belonging was felt. Together, we laughed and worked hard to meet our step count and fundraising target, contributing to a great cause while having fun. The camaraderie created an extremely joyful experience.

“Purple Friday was the best day ever; I was living my best life the whole day.”
Goudie Academy pupil

Kibble holds the value of respect and Purple Friday helped to showcase the acceptance of the LGBT community. Young people themselves expressed the importance of sending a positive message that the LGBT community are safe, included and supported.

“It is important for all young people and staff to know their identify is accepted at Kibble, that everyone will be supportive and that any form of bullying is unacceptable. It is powerful to make sure young people and staff feel safe as soon as they arrive, boosting everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.”
Young person from the LGBTQ+ pupil support group

In partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, Kibble has successfully achieved the LGBT Charter, gaining knowledge and confidence to create an inclusive environment where LGBT people are valued. We will strive to continue making all feel welcome.

“I am delighted for Kibble to have achieved the LGBT Youth Scotland Charter. I am proud of how we have grown to become an organisation that is more inclusive and values diversity and is a safe space for our LGBTQ young people and staff.”
Executive Director Neil McMillan

Look at our photos from Purple Friday

Posted:

The Skills Academy has refurbished kids bikes and donated them to Lochwinnoch Community Annexe.

Through expert guidance from The Skills Academy bike instructor, Robert Ross, students have restored the bikes and are proud they will now be valued by younger children.

“Our young bike maintenance students have done a wonderful job refurbishing and reinvigorating the bikes for The Annexe. The team have really poured all their efforts into this project and are looking forward to seeing the bikes going to a good cause.
The Skills Academy seeks to set young people up with qualifications, training and skills which can be taken further into communities and the job market, so it’s brilliant that the team here are able to see their efforts come full circle and pay off for the enjoyment of others.”
Depute Head of The Skills Academy, Mark Robertson

With Forest View based in Lochwinnoch, the neighbouring community group was a top choice for who to gift the kids bikes to. The community centre in the rural village of Lochwinnoch hosts fitness sessions, dance classes, kids’ parties and more. It has opened a café and within the spacious outdoor area that surrounds them lies an impressive cycle track. Our donation will further encourage families to embrace biking, encouraging them to venture outside and explore their local area, which is fulfilled with parks, green space and cycle paths.

“Thank you from everyone at the Lochwinnoch Community Annexe. These bikes will bring so much fun to the kids who want to use the BMX track and cycle path. We know how much effort you have all put in to restore these bikes and we promise to look after them.“
Manager of Lochwinnoch Community Annexe, Robert McLeish

Photographed is Robert McLeish of Lochwinnoch Community Annexe with Robert Ross, The Skills Academy bike instructor.

Posted:

Young people at our Safe Centre, alongside the staff team took part in a ‘Big Sleep Out’ on Tuesday 1 March to raise funds for charity Action for Children.

The budding group wanted to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families and chose to brace the sub-zero temperatures to help raise vital funds. The group of five pupils and six staff set up their station for the night with a roaring fire topped up with kindling, a ping pong table to keep spirits high, camp chairs, sleeping bags… and of course multiple cups of hot tea. However, big Keith’s music through the boogie box left a lot to be desired!

As the temperatures dipped to minus 3, there was certainly warmth of spirit as the dedicated group shared jokes, stories and lots of laughs as they huddled together in their sleeping bags. We’re not sure whether it was David “Mainman’s” practical jokes that kept them going through the night or if it was indeed Education Manager Hilly’s legendary beef stew cooked on the campfire, but either way the incredible group rallied together and saw sunrise.

To date, the group has raised a phenomenal £825, smashing their original £500 target out of the park. Further donations can be made via the Just Giving page.

Once again, young people across Kibble never fail to make us proud with their generosity and willingness to step up for others. Young people have taken part in various fundraising sleep outs over the years and their determination and kindness shows no bounds. Well done to the Famous five!

“Lots of young people who come to Kibble are supported by Action for Children and we know how much good work they do. The young person who organised this sleep out personally has experience with them and would love to give something back to them”. Callum Reilly, Child and Youth Care Worker

“I really enjoyed the sleepout with the other kids and staff. It was very cold. I got a couple of hours sleep but the majority was good except the cold – I really enjoyed the food and snacks.” Young Person

“I really enjoyed the sleepout and it was fun. It was very cold but it was nice and warm in my sleeping bag. I feel sorry for homeless people “ Young Person

“The Big Sleep out was one of the best experiences I have done when in care” Young Person

“I have worked in Kibble for twenty two and a half years and the Big Sleepout was arguably the best and most worthwhile activity I have ever been involved in. Well done to everyone involved!” John Hillcoat, Education Manager

“Jura house young people and staff decided that they wanted to do something for charity. It was agreed that they would complete “A Big Sleep Out”. Staff and young people planned this meticulously and set up a just giving page to raise much needed money for Action for Children, as one of the young people had received excellent support from them in the past. At time of writing, they have raised over £800 which is fantastic. All young people and staff are a credit to each other the centre and to Action for Children. Well done to all! Gary Peebles, Acting Head of Operations

Posted:

In celebration of this year’s Festival of Care, which promotes the achievements of care experienced people, our schools held an immersive and interactive art exhibition on Thursday 3th March aligned to this year’s theme ‘Tending the Light’.

Yesterday our sports hall was the backdrop for the illuminous arts exhibition, featuring a variety of art installations proudly created by over 60 young people from Forest View Primary, Goudie Academy and Mirin Academy. The exhibition was the amalgamation of a month of preparations by pupils and the expressive arts department, with artwork created in the classroom and evening workshops. The project was coordinated alongside Who Cares? Scotland and local artist, Dawn Hair, of RIG Arts.

According to Who Cares? Scotland, this year’s powerful theme ‘Tending the Light’ asked what it takes for us to Tend the Light and keep the beacons burning brightly for Care Experienced people across Scotland? What is the light that we are tending? Is it the light of The Promise, the light of love and care, of doing things differently? Is it tending our own light, making sure it burns brightly so it can be seen by those who need it? Is it the light of our Care Experienced people, nurturing their own inner beacons, supporting them to shine brightly?

Among the installations included lighthouses of various scales symbolising the guiding light that draws boats at sea to safe harbour, a colourful light feature created from recycled plastic, a light projection display, electrifying music, an illuminated Kibble logo composed of vibrant bottle tops and buttons as well as a projector casting shadows in red, green and blue – perfect for photo opportunities and a chance for young people to practice their gymnastic prowess! Of course, every opportunity is a chance to learn and achieve, and the exhibition forms part of young people’s national qualifications and wider achievement awards.

The exhibition was a resounding success and welcomed pupils from each school to come and see their artwork come to life. Kibble staff attended in their allocated times and to say there was high praise for the pupils was an understatement. We’re incredibly proud of what pupils have achieved and once again this demonstrates the incredible talent and creative imagination of young people across Kibble.

“So impressed! The imagination, creativity and colour has blown me away. Everyone involved should be so proud”. Jemma from Who Cares? Scotland

“Outstanding! And showed lots of talent”. Dan

“Such colourful light houses – I loved them all”. Anon

Posted: February 10, 2022

Pupils collaborated with Kibble’s design team to create crests for Forest View Primary School and the secondary schools within our Open Campus and Safe Centre. Both pupils and staff are extremely proud of the completed designs.

Forest View Primary School

School pupils enthusiastically shared their ideas for a school crest and fully cooperated with the design team to bring the finished design to life.

“In our Forest View school crest, we need to include the animals. I would like to see Monster the tortoise in the design.”
Forest View pupil

Goudie Academy and Mirin Academy

Kibble’s secondary schools were named by young people. All agreed upon ‘Goudie Academy’ for the school on-campus and ‘Mirin Academy’ for the Safe Centre before beginning to think about what the school crests would look like.

Young people produced various sketches to illustrate the school values and culture. Kibble’s design team were challenged with narrowing the talented drawings down to three options for each school. The selected designs were transformed into digital format for young people to vote and decide the winners.

“We are very happy with the crest designs which will be a lasting legacy for Kibble.”
Executive Director, Audrey

The Skills Academy

Kibble’s Education and Training Centre based in Hillington has its own logo. Find out more about The Skills Academy.

Posted: February 1, 2022

Young people’s outstanding artwork that was created throughout the past year has been designed into a calendar for 2022.

Art can encourage self-expression and creativity. Kibble’s regular school projects aim to instil confidence and a sense of achievement within young people. We are sure you agree the calendar for 2022, designed by young people’s drawings, is a work of art.

Take a Look

Discover the magnificent masterpieces created by talented young people at Kibble. Each month of the year showcases a unique, custom illustration with plenty of colours.

Posted: January 26, 2022

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About Kibble

Kibble, the leading children’s organisation is committed to giving young people a chance at life. At Kibble, we empower young people through care, education and support. Our services range from residential care to education and training young people through The Skills Academy and more. For over 160 years we have supported young people to manage past trauma, giving them consistent love and care, an inspiring education, and the therapeutic supports to help them achieve their best.

There Is a Job Role to Suit You

At Kibble, we recruit for a range of jobs including roles in care, teaching, psychology, management positions and more.

Work in a supportive role from HR to ICT

Visit our dedicated recruitment site and sign-up for job alerts

Employee Benefits

Undertake further study, funded by Kibble

We have a dedicated Learning and Development team

There are plenty of reasons to Work for Kibble

As a national child and youth care organisation, Kibble has a dedicated team of staff exceeding 600 employees who help ensure young people receive the highest quality of care. Together, we strive to go above and beyond for young people and aim to create positive experiences each day. In return, each employee deserves time to focus on their own health, wellbeing and professional development. Find out more about the extensive employee conditions, benefits and rewards by visiting Why Work for Kibble?

Join Us

“It is an exciting time to begin a rewarding career with Kibble as we set out to grow and expand our services further; contributing to the enhancement of our already high standards. Working for Kibble means belonging and being part of a team that helps bring positive life experiences to young people, no matter what service you work in.”
Chief Executive Officer, Jim Gillespie

“At Kibble, we’re fully prepared to help young people grow in the right direction and guide them to keep up a positive attitude and make plans for their future.”
Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark

Posted: December 31, 2021

Find out about the various care worker vacancies that are now open for applications. There are opportunities to work at our Paisley campus or across the community within our warm and welcoming residential houses. Join the dedicated staff team at Kibble, who provide the highest quality of care and support to young people, 24/7, 365 days a year.

We are looking for experienced Child and Youth Care Workers to fill the essential roles of Nightshift and Dayshift care workers, as well as people with life experience for Sessional Child and Youth Care Workers.

Visit Our Vacancies

Why Work For Kibble?

Discover More About the Various Care Jobs Available

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you will spend time with children and young people, develop their trust and form genuine friendships. It is a rewarding, fulfilling role.

At Kibble, we’re fully prepared to help young people grow in the right direction and guide them to keep up a positive attitude and make plans for their future.
Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark

Nightshift Child and Youth Care Worker Vacancies

Job reference: 000227
Closing date: 10/01/2022
Salary: £23,946 – £34,198 per annum (SCP 23 – 35) dependent on qualifications and experience
Employment type: Permanent
Services: Care – Residential
Hours per week: 37 hours per week worked on a shift basis

Supported by Kibble’s Night Service Managers you will work across Kibble’s Residential and Community Based Services. You will have responsibility for the safety and well-being of our young people throughout the night. This can be a vulnerable time for our young people and as such you will have the skills and abilities to be able to support our young people through times of crisis.

Visit Our Nightshift Vacancy

Days | Child and Youth Care Worker

Job reference: 000226
Closing date: 10/01/2022
Salary: £25,641.58 – £36,318.84 per annum (SCP 23 – 35) dependent on qualifications and experience
Employment type: Permanent
Services: Care – Residential
Hours per week: 37 hours per week, worked over a combination of early and back shifts (plus two weekends in four) Plus, contractual overtime where applicable

Apply now if you are an experienced Child and Youth Care Worker who has previously been responsible for the care and development of children and young people. The role requires kind, enthusiastic and understanding individuals who can apply knowledge and skill to relate to young people.

Visit Job Advert

Sessional Child and Youth Care Worker

Job reference: 000228
Closing date: 10/01/2022
Salary: £10.46 per hour (SCP16)
Employment type: Permanent
Services: Care – Residential
Hours per week: Variable (Day, Evening and Night Shifts)

People may not realise they have the skills to become a Child and Youth Care Worker. The sessional role is suitable for those with life experience, those with the drive to make a positive difference in a child’s life and an ambition to help young people feel seen and listened to.

Visit Sessional Vacancy

Through a strong friendship I have built with a quiet, introverted young person, I have since encouraged them to enjoy swimming, exercise in the outdoor football pitches and get involved in the regular cook nights.
Previous trainee Child and Youth Care Worker Emma

If you are a caring, kind individual with a drive to help children and young people we want to hear from you.

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Posted: December 24, 2021

The elves returned to visit us for Christmas 2021. Look at some of the mischief they’ve caused throughout December.

Every morning, the kids enjoyed waking up to see what the elves have been up to. A letter from the North Pole landed on the doorstep, it explained Santa’s elves were prone to being silly. However, the elves were also very kind and brought items of food for the children to collect and donate to those in need. There’s plenty of fun to be had while also helping others and spreading lots of Christmas cheer.