TWO years of hard work on parental engagement at a Wee County school has resulted in a nomination for a top accolade.

As highlighted last week, Abercromby Primary School has been named as one of the three finalists in the Scottish Education Awards' Parent and Family Engagement category.

Details shared by local education chiefs since revealed that the achievement has been years in the making with staff working hard to build up levels of engagement.

A family room called The Link was established at the Tullibody school close to two years ago.

It aims to strengthen the links between children, families and staff in a calm and supportive environment.

There are one to one sessions within a friendly, welcoming and inclusive group.

This is an opportunity for parents to build positive relationships with their children, educators and other adults.

The family groups, run each week, have been supported by partners in the NHS, local businesses and even fitness instructors.

Louise Thomas, acting headteacher, said: "We wanted to bring a close community feel to Abercromby and give people the opportunity to meet other parents and carers and build new relationships.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to all our pupils, families and staff who support us throughout the year and we look forward to a time when we can all work as a family again."

And there are many other opportunities throughout the school year as well, including open afternoons, class assemblies and curriculum afternoons – all to allow parents and carers to share their child's classroom learning.

Initiatives have also seen people invited to the school, which moved to Tullibody South Campus last October, for "food, family time and fun".

It also saw the school community work together on activities from different curricular areas.

There are also Clubbercise sessions run by local instructors, STEM events, a family quiz, sports events supported by Active Clacks, a family picnic, story reading events and more.

Emma Craig, principal teacher, added: "These events have helped to foster stronger relationships, giving families the chance to get to know members of staff and sometimes their own families who come along too.

"They are very well attended with up to 150 people participating at once."