External Education Establishment Inspection Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 June 2025
Back to Community Services Committee — 5 June 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 5 JUNE 2025 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during the period March 2025 to June 2025. 1.2 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 5 JUNE 2025 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during March 2025 to June 2025. 2.2 As required for the National Improvement Framework, HMIE report on and provide grades for the following Quality Indicators (QIs) as part of full model inspections (which typically take place over a full school week): QI 1.3 – leadership of change; QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; QI 3.1 – ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement In addition, they include a focus on the following themes from other QIs: QI 2.2 curriculum: learning pathways QI 2.7 partnerships: parental engagement 2.3 Short model inspections (typically over two and a half days) focus on two QIs: QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement HMIE continue to have a focus on safeguarding in every inspection. An inspection advice note issued in January 2024 advised that Inspectors intended to strengthen the evidence they gather about relationships and behaviour in schools and settings during inspections notified from week beginning 15 January 2024. This evidence is being gathered in a range of ways, including through an updated child protection and safeguarding evaluation form. In addition to the inspection advice note, schools have been provided with supporting local authority guidance.
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2.4 In inspections of early learning and childcare settings, HMIE use the equivalent QIs from ‘How Good Is Our Early Learning and Childcare?’ 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland. 4.0 DETAIL – School Inspections 4.1 Tarbert 2-18 was inspected the week beginning 24th February 2025 using the full model of inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to: Staff have worked well to ensure relationships in the school are positive. Children and young people are articulate, respectful and proud of their school. They learn in a welcoming and calm environment. Staff are working together well to improve the quality of learning, teaching and assessment through their participation in professional learning. Children are making positive progress in developing their skills in writing and numeracy in the primary department. The published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) are available on Education Scotland’s Website using the following link. HMIe inspectors will return to conduct a further visit within one year of the publication date. Tarbert Academy | Inspection Report | Education Scotland 4.2 Rothesay Joint Campus was inspected the week beginning 10th March 2025 using the full model of inspection. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.3 North Bute Primary was inspected the week beginning 10th March 2025 using the short model of inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to: Children are polite and happy. They are proud of their school and have a positive attitude to learning. Staff
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support children to feel welcomed, cared for and safe in school. Children experience respectful and nurturing relationships. Staff work effectively with their partners to support children’s learning across a range of contexts. Children learn in a variety of environments in the local area. The published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) are available on Education Scotland’s Website using the following link: North Bute Primary School | Inspection Report | Education Scotland 4.4 Salen Primary and ELC was inspected the week beginning 24th March 2025 using the full model of inspection. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.5 Lochgilphead Joint Campus had a follow up visit by HMIe inspectors the week beginning 19th May. The link to the published letter will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.6 Bunessan Primary School and ELC was inspected the week beginning 19th May using a full model inspection. The link to the published letter will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.7 Rhu Primary School and ELC was inspected the week beginning 19th May using a short model inspection. The link to the published letter will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.8 A summary of all external school inspection audit reports published by Education Scotland across Argyll and Bute Education Service establishments during the period March 2025 to June 2025 is provided in Appendix 1. 4.9 A summary of the inspection outcomes per establishment detailing strengths and areas for improvement is provided in Appendix 2. 5.0 DETAIL – National Thematic Inspections 5.1 In addition to visits to schools and settings, HMIe also carry out national Thematic Inspections.
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5.2 The most recent phase of national Thematic Inspection which took place in October 2024 focused on Local Authority Approaches to School Improvement and focused on the following four themes: 1. How do local authorities support schools to improve the quality of education through implementing effective improvement planning and standards and quality reporting? 2. How do local authorities support schools to improve the quality of education through self-evaluation and quality assurance? 3. How do local authorities support schools to improve the quality of education through professional learning? 4. How do local authorities deliver universal support and challenge for all schools, and/or targeted support for specific schools to improve the quality of education? 5.3 All 32 local authorities were part of the thematic inspection and overall findings have been shared through a national report published on Education Scotland’s website: Local authority approaches to supporting school improvement | National thematic inspections | HM Chief Inspector reports and guidance | Inspection and review | Education Scotland 5.4 Key strengths across the 32 local authorities identified in the report are: • strategic leadership and collaboration • data driven self-evaluation • professional learning and leadership development • targeted and universal support for schools • approaches to stakeholder engagement 5.5 Areas for improvement identified across the 32 local authorities include: • consistent approach to school support • strengthening leadership development for middle leaders – particularly for secondary schools. • improved use of data for strategic decision making • enhanced monitoring and accountability for targeted support for schools 5.5 During the academic year, 2024-2025, HMIE are visiting a number of settings and schools across Scotland to complete a Thematic Inspection on Literacy and English. Several Argyll and Bute establishments are participating in the Thematic Inspection. 5.6 The link to the full Thematic Inspection report on Literacy and English will be shared once published on Education Scotland’s website.
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6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 In summary, currently two published reports are available from the six inspections and one re-visit that took place during the period of March 2025 to June 2025. 6.2 The Education Service will continue to use the outcomes of establishment inspections to work collaboratively with our Head Teachers to target support and challenge to secure improvement for our children and young people. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy – The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 places a duty on Education Authorities to provide children and young people with school education and (in terms of raising standards) requires Authorities to endeavor to secure improvement in the quality of that school education. 7.2 Financial – None 7.3 Legal – None 7.4 HR – None 7.5 Customer Service – The outcome of establishment inspections of the Education Service of Argyll and Bute Council may significantly enhance or detract from the Council’s reputation and attractiveness as an area to work and live in. 7.6 Risk – Reputational risk to the Education Service following a weak report. 7.7 Climate Change - None 7.8 Fairer Scotland Duty: – None 7.9 Equalities - protected characteristics – None 7.10 Consumer Duty – None 7.11 Island Communities - None 7.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Article 28 – I have the right to an education Article 29 – I have the right to an education which develops my personality, talents and abilities Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Education Councillor Audrey Forest - Policy Lead for Education
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Jennifer Crocket Chief Education Officer Head of Education: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Achievement Wendy Brownlie Head of Education: Performance and Improvement For further information please contact:- Simone McAdam, Education Manager Email: Simone.McAdam@argyll-bute.gov.uk May 2025 Appendices Appendix 1 - Overview of Inspection Outcomes Appendix 2 - Summary of Inspection Outcomes
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Appendix 1 - Overview of Inspection Outcomes Leadership of Change Learning, Teaching and Assessment Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality and Inclusion Raising Attainment and Achievement Establishment Sector Date of Inspection 1.3 2.3 3.1 3.2 Tarbert 2-18 School February 2025 weak satisfactory satisfactory satisfactory Tarbert ELC ELC February 2025 satisfactory satisfactory satisfactory satisfactory Rothesay Joint Campus School March 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published Rothesay Joint Campus ELC ELC March 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published North Bute Primary School March 2025 satisfactory satisfactory Salen Primary School March 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published Salen ELC ELC March 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published Bunessan Primary School May 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published Bunessan ELC ELC May 2025 not yet published not yet published not yet published not yet published
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Rhu Primary School May 2025 not yet published not yet published Rhu ELC ELC May 2025 not yet published not yet published The Six-point Scale for Inspection Grading Excellent 6 Very Good 5 Good 4 Satisfactory 3 Weak 2 Unsatisfactory 1
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Appendix 2 – Summary of Inspection Outcomes Report Title: North Bute Primary School Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Children are polite and happy. They are proud of their school and have a positive attitude to learning. • Staff support children to feel welcomed, cared for and safe in school. Children experience respectful and nurturing relationships. • Staff work effectively with their partners to support children’s learning across a range of contexts. Children learn in a variety of environments in the local area. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. • Improve the planning of learning and teaching so that all children have consistently high-quality learning experiences, which are set at the right level of difficulty for them. • Improve children’s progress and attainment across the curriculum, including a clear focus on developing writing skills. • Develop staff’s skills in using assessment information to measure the progress children make over time. Staff should monitor closely the impact of interventions they put in place to close gaps in children’s learning. Date of Inspection: March 2025 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Marie Law - Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Susan Galloway – Education Manager Report Title: Tarbert 2-18
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Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Staff have worked well to ensure relationships in the school are positive. Children and young people are articulate, respectful and proud of their school. They learn in a welcoming and calm environment. • Staff are working together well to improve the quality of learning, teaching and assessment through their participation in professional learning. • Children are making positive progress in developing their skills in writing and numeracy in the primary department. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. • There is a need to improve the pace of change through developing leadership at all levels and a consistent approach to monitoring and evaluating the work of the school. • Teachers should ensure that they meet the needs of children and young people more through the effective use of assessment information. • Staff should have high expectations of what children and young people can achieve. They need to implement a whole school approach to raise attainment across the curriculum. • Teachers should review the curriculum to ensure that young people build on their prior learning more effectively. • Staff need to raise the profile of equality and diversity to prepare learners fully for life beyond school. Date of Inspection: February 2025 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: David Mitchell – Acting Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Brendan Docherty – Education Manager