AS WE head into the long-awaited summer holidays, I know that our young people will be looking forward to the break, as will their teachers and support staff.

I would like to wish all our young people all the best as they move onto the next stage of their life, from those who are moving on to their chosen careers to those who are taking the next step in their education journey and even our youngest children who are just at the very start of their education adventure.

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for families and I know that the recent transport consultation would have been an additional worry.

Therefore, I am delighted that, in my role as education convener, I have been able to call a special education meeting to allow the decision to be taken early.

The Labour administration will be agreeing on the recommendations to continue with the existing transport service.

I hope this will alleviate any worries and allow you to enjoy your summer holidays.

I was delighted to see the launch of the council’s SHINE (school holidays involve nurture and engage) programme of free activities over the summer break.

The £100,000 investment being set aside each year for the next four years is the Labour administration’s commitment to supporting communities through the cost-of-living crisis.

A total of 22 local organisations will offer a wide range of activities, along with a free snack and lunch, during July and August.

You can find the full summer SHINE programme on West Dunbartonshire Council's website.

As vice-chair of the cost-of-living working group, I am pleased to see that 16 organisations have been awarded money from the £1million Capital Fund that was created last year.

Awestruck Academy was awarded £29,589 to upgrade its kitchen, nursery, IT suite and leisure equipment.

Daniel’s Wish received £9,143 to purchase sensory equipment to help children and young people who have complex needs.

These are just two examples of the fantastic community groups the fund has been able to help.

Over recent months, I have had the privilege of visiting our schools and early learning and childcare centres (ELCCs), with many of them having received excellent inspection reports – Whitecrook Primary ELCC, Our Lady of Loretto ELCC, Andrew B Cameron ELCC and St Ronan’s Primary School to name just a few.

This is testament to all the hard work that our school staff, pupils and families do together, so thank you all for your commitment.

I’ve been extremely busy in my Clydebank Central ward, meeting constituents and local groups.

Recently, I was invited to the official opening of West Dunbartonshire Kinship Carers' new community support centre at Erskine House.

Hearing first-hand how the group provides support to other kinship carers really was humbling.