Giving young people in ɬ the best possible start is at the heart of an independent review of the council’s Education Service.
The driver for the Council’s education strategy, launched earlier this year, is helping young people in ɬ to thrive, learn and grow. In support of this, Councillors agreed to an independent review of the Education Service.
As well as adapting to significant national reform, education services in ɬ have to develop sustainable ways of working to meet local demands, in relation for example to population and geography – ɬ has the highest number of schools in Scotland on islands; primary and secondary school rolls are projected to fall; at the same time demand for specialist ASN (additional support needs) provision is rising.
The review was carried out by external education professionals between May and September this year. It looked at how the council, given the challenges it faces, could ensure sustainable education services that deliver opportunities and positive outcomes for young people now and into the future.
Councillors agreed, at a meeting of full Council on 26th, that following on from the review, detailed proposals should be developed, covering wide ranging aspects of the Education Service, and brought to future meetings of the Community Services Committee for consideration. It was also agreed that progressing proposals will follow the , with engagement with school communities as appropriate.
The timescale for developing and if agreed implementing proposals is expected to be 2-4 years.
The Review Team also worked alongside senior Education Officers to identify a list of potential efficiency options. Councillors will consider these options as part of the budget process.
Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Education:
“It is imperative that we deliver a quality service that responds to changing needs and is sustainable for our young people into the future. Therefore, we must adapt to challenges; not just those within ɬ, but ones that are facing education services across Scotland.
Our focus is on giving every child and young person the best possible start. This review supports that.”
A dedicated project team will now develop more detailed proposals that will go to future meetings of the Community Services Committee for consideration.
Read the full report and findings on the Council’s website.
ENDS
