Appendix 2 - Education Improvement Plan 2026-2027
Perth and Kinross Council · 16 September 2026
Back to Learning and Families Committee — 16 September 2026 and its agenda
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Education Improvement Plan 2026/2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Appendix 2
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Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Planning for 2026/2027 ................................................................................................................. 2 National context ............................................................................................................................ 3 Local context informing this plan .................................................................................................. 6 Improvement Plan 2026/27 ............................................................................................................ 10 Improvement Theme 1 – Learning and Teaching/Curriculum ..................................................... 10 Improvement Theme 2 – Inclusive Practice/ASN Transformation .............................................. 14 Improvement Theme 3 – Leadership of Change and Improvement ............................................ 22 Appendix 1 – Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................... 28
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 2 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality The statutory guidance Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc Act 2000 (as amended 2016), states that education authorities must prepare and publish an annual plan for the year ahead taking account of the requirements of the current National Improvement Framework (NIF) and an annual report on the progress made against the previous year’s plan. This Education Improvement Plan must describe the steps local authorities intend to take to enhance equity and support school improvement, during the year ahead: • with a view to reducing inequalities of outcome experienced by pupils as a result of socio- economic disadvantage. • to comply with the duties imposed on it to seek and have regard to the views of relevant stakeholders. • in pursuance of the NIF for Scottish education. It is a duty under the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 to submit this plan to Scottish Ministers each year. Planning for 2026/2027 The 2026/27 Education Service Improvement Plan outlines the high-level areas for improvement for all education services and schools and is aligned to the Perth and Kinross Community and Corporate plans and the Integrated Children’s Service Plan (ICSP) for Perth and Kinross. The Perth and Kinross Corporate Plan vision is for “a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality.” The Education Service Improvement Plan reflects this vision and the Council’s core values of Integrity, Compassion and Ambition. This plan sets out the ambition of Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) Education and Learning (EandL) Service to improve attainment and achievement and reduce inequity by prioritising improvement in: • Learning and Teaching/Curriculum • Inclusive Practice/Additional Support Needs (ASN) Transformation • Leadership of Change and Improvement Introduction
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 3 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality It focuses on supporting delivery of national legislation, policy, strategic priorities for education, including ‘Support for Learning: all Our Children and all their potential’, Getting it right for every child’ (GIRFEC), ‘Best Start, Bright Future; tackling child poverty delivery plan’ and ‘Best Start - strategic early learning and school age childcare plan 2022 to 2026’. There is a well-established quality improvement process in Perth and Kinross schools. There are a range of frameworks including the Quality Improvement Framework (QIF) which support effective evaluation, planning and reporting at establishment and department level. There is a structured model of quality assurance activity which includes data analysis, self-evaluation, professional discussion, a planned programme of school visits and Quality Improvement Reviews (QIR). Each school and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) setting prepared and published their individual School or ELC Setting Improvement Plan for 2026/2027 in collaboration with their children and young people, parents/carers and partners. These school and establishment-level plans along with our analysis of performance in delivery of attainment and achievement, data on equity gaps, information on future risks and pressures, and evidence of impact against the actions set out in the 2025/2026 Plan inform the Education Improvement Plan for 2026/2027. It has a focus on what needs to improve in both excellence and equity to deliver against the priorities in the NIF, using self-evaluation activity drawn from across the service and schools, feedback from stakeholders, and learning from improvement processes, to inform the priorities for the year ahead. More detail on the strategic landscape that informs and supports delivery of the Education Improvement Plan is illustrated in the diagram in Appendix 1. The planning landscape includes the delivery role of individual nurseries, schools and services and will support each to secure improvement relevant to their context. National context Achieving excellence and equity: 2026 National Improvement Framework (NIF) was published in December 2025 and sets out the national vision, key priorities and educational outcomes for children and young people. The vision for education in Scotland is to be ambitious, inclusive and supportive in order to deliver: • Excellence through raising achievement and improving outcomes: ensuring that every child and young person achieves the highest standards they can. • Achieving equity: ensuring every child and young person has the same opportunity to succeed. The key priorities set out within the NIF remain the same as in previous years:
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 4 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality • Placing the human rights and needs of every child and young person at the centre of education; • Improvement in children and young people’s health and wellbeing; • Closing the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged children and young people; • Improvement in skills and sustained, positive school-leaver destinations for all young people; and • Improvement in achievement, particularly in literacy and numeracy. The Scottish Government has set out its expected outcomes of the framework. These are: • A globally respected, empowered, and responsive education system with clear accountability at every level that supports children, young people, and adult learners to thrive. The system enables the development of their knowledge, skills, values, and attributes that give them the best opportunity to succeed and contribute to Scotland’s society and economy. • Young people experiencing the benefit of schools and early years settings working in excellent partnerships with wider children’s services and other partners, families, and communities, in line with the GIRFEC approach. • Inclusive and relevant curriculum and assessment which gives young people the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to society, and shape a sustainable future, while celebrating and supporting progression for all. • High levels of achievement across the curriculum for all learners, with action to close the poverty-related attainment gap. • Highly skilled teachers and school-leaders driving excellent learning, teaching and assessment for all, especially those with additional support needs. • Improving relationships and behaviour, and attendance, with increased engagement in learning and a culture of dignity and respect for all. • An education system engaging in digital technology to enhance all aspects of learning and teaching, supported by a digitally-skilled workforce and tackling digital inequality. The National Improvement Framework 2026: Improvement Plan published in December 2025 sets out the actions that will be taken to deliver these outcomes, the evidence to support them and how progress will be measured. The ‘Scottish Attainment Challenge: framework for recovery and accelerating progress’ published in May 2023 sets out the aims of the use of national funding to ensure equity in education and
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 5 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality mitigate the impact of poverty on children and young people’s outcomes and tackle the poverty related attainment gap. Stretch aims have been set over a three-year period, with annual targets to measure improvements in a range of key indicators. The delivery of education in Perth and Kinross in 2026/27 will be guided by these themes and by several recent reports. The most influential of these are listed below: The National Improvement Framework 2026: Improvement Plan The Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) Improving Attendance: Understanding the Issues Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2022): Highlights from Scotland’s Results Behaviour in Scottish schools: research report 2023 Approaches to recording and monitoring incidents of bullying in schools It's Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment: report Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation Learning to inform Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19 The State of Play in Scotland 2023 Best Start, Bright Futures: tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022 to 2026 Best Start Strategic Early Learning School Age Childcare Plan Scotland 2022 to 2026 Included, Engaged and Involved Part 1: Improving Attendance in Scotland's Schools - gov.scot Whole school approach to racism and racist incidents: guidance - gov.scot Schools - responding to substance use: guidance - gov.scot Relationships and behaviour in schools: national action plan 2024 to 2027 - gov.scot
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 6 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Local context informing this plan Perth and Kinross is home to approximately 30,0001 children and young people up to the age of 19. This is a reduction of 6.7% since the previous census undertaken in 2011. Around 3,000 children attend publicly funded ELC settings (local authority, private, third sector and not for profit ELC providers and childminders), 9750 children are in PKC primary schools and around 7,900 young people attend PKC secondary schools. Around one third of these children and young people are in Perth City with the remainder distributed across small rural towns and a large rural area, the fifth largest in Scotland. Around 7,700 children and young people, 44% of all those in schools are recorded as having at least one additional support need. At the point of the 2025 pupil census2, sixty-three children and young people attend Fairview Special School, and 410 children and young people attend Intensive Support or Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs (SEBN) Provisions (154 primary/256 Secondary). 1 Census 2022 Key Findings – Population and Housing; Microsoft Power BI 2 Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland 2025; School education statistics - gov.scot
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 7 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality At the point of the 2025 census3, 1415 FTE teachers were employed by PKC and partners across all education sectors and the overall pupil to teacher ratio (schools) was 12.9:1, slightly lower than the national figure of 13.2:1. In addition, there are around 370 FTE support staff working directly with pupils in schools. This figure includes Pupil Support Assistants, Primary School Support Workers, Primary School Support Assistants and Pupil Care and Welfare Officers. The total number of single status staff is 844 FTE. This does not include posts funded by Pupil Equity Funding. Economy In Perth and Kinross in 2023, the motor trade (wholesale and retail) and associated garage services is the largest employment sector with a total of 9,000 employees. Accommodation and food services and the health and social care sector employ a total of 16,000 (8,000 in each sector), with manufacturing and construction a further 9,5004. Of a total of 62,000 jobs, 43,000 (69.4%) are full-time which is slightly higher than the Scottish national average of 67.1%. 3 Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland 2025; School education statistics - gov.scot 4 Source Nomis, Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Labour Market Profile - Nomis - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics (nomisweb.co.uk)
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 8 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality The number of claimants of out-of-work benefits in May 2026 was 2,165 which equates to 2.4% of the total population, lower than the Scottish national average of 3.1% and the UK average of 4%. Poverty 7.8% of children and young people enrolled in Perth and Kinross schools are in the lowest quintile based on SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation). However, the SIMD does not always accurately represent deprivation in a rural setting. Therefore, PKC also uses ACORN segmentation to understand the impact of poverty in the area. This indicates that just under a third (27.6%) of children and young people on our primary and secondary school roll (4,830 pupils) are in households subject to some level of deprivation (ie within ACORN 5/6 categories). In 2025/2026, 1934 pupils (P6 and above, 17.7% of the roll) were registered for free school meals (FSM). This is an increase of 465 (32%) on 2024/2025. This increase may in part be due to increased promotion of the FSM entitlement within school communities but also to the change in eligibility criteria by which anyone who is in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment is now eligible for FSM. By the end of 2025/2026, 2,174 pupils received a clothing grant (around 12.3% of the roll). This represents a small decrease of 68 (-3%) on 2024/2025. The 2023/24 estimate of the number of children and young people (under 19) in relative low- income families was 3,966, compared to 4,816 in 2019/205. The ONS Annual Population Survey indicates around 7,300 households in Perth and Kinross (16.2%)6 are workless, and for those in work, low pay remains an issue in some sectors of the local economy. Although inflation has decreased from its high of 9.6% in October 2022, family budgets are still being impacted by higher food, household energy and transport costs. Children and young people with additional support needs Within PKC schools and ELC settings, the number of children and young people with ASN has increased over recent years. At the time of the 2025 Pupil Census in September 2025, 44% of all children and young people (7,716) in schools were recorded as having an ASN. The definition of ASN is broad, in line with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act 2004. The most frequently reported ASN is Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs (SEBN), with 2,502 children and young people recorded under this category. This was an increase of 14.9% on the number recorded the previous year. However, it is recognised that a clearer definition of what needs reflect SEBN is needed and therefore numbers in this category may be over-represented. Other notable increases were Autism which was up 19.4% (814 children and young people), communication support needs up 14.3% (553 children and young people) and mental health needs up 26.1% (522 children and young people). There has also been a large increase (30.6%) in the number of children and young people recorded as having interrupted learning (371). The numbers of children and young people with English as an Additional Language (EAL) recorded at census in 2025 was 1480, an increase of 3.9% from the previous year. In total, 66 5 Stat-Xplore - Table View 6 Labour Market Profile - Nomis - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 9 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality home languages are experienced by these children and young people, with Polish, Romanian and Sinhalese the most common. Work is underway nationally to revise the categories under which children and young people’s needs are recorded to improve understanding of need. The total number of Looked After children and young people that PKC has Corporate Parenting responsibility for was 255 at census date on 31 July 20257. This is less than the comparator local authority average rate and less than the Scotland average rate. By the end of 2025/26 the number of Care Experienced children and young people (CECYP), which is a broader definition and includes previously Looked After, was 367. This figure includes 55 CECYP who accessed education in PKC as they currently live in the local authority area and are Looked After by other local authorities. Based on the Staged Levels of Intervention model which aims to identify and meet additional support needs at the earliest opportunity, there are 3,406 Stage 1 plans (41% of the total number) where identified needs can be supported at a universal level by the class teacher. To meet the growing level and complexity of need, schools are enhancing the skills of staff and strategies used to meet needs in all classrooms. Increasingly, a multi-agency GIRFEC approach is required to meet the needs of specific children and young people and their parents. This has been supported by the development of supports through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund (WFWF) and Strategic Equity Fund (SEF). The increasing levels and complexity of need outlined above is driving the review of policy, processes, resources, partnerships and built environment under the current ASN Transformation Programme. 7 Children’s Social Work Statistics: Looked After Children 2024/25 - gov.scot Data as @ 31 July 2025
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 10 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Improvement Theme 1 – Learning and Teaching/Curriculum Planned outcome: By June 2027 there will be a 5% increase in the number of schools (4 schools) evaluating Quality Indicator 2.3 (Learning, teaching and assessment) as good or better. Current baseline 79%. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review and implement universal, tailored and intensive support for school leaders and staff teams. Jun 2027 Clear support plans identified and in place for schools. Review of NIF evaluations, QIR observations of learning and teaching, HMIE reports. SEF funded Lead Teachers of Learning and Teaching to provide tailored and intensive support with targeted schools. Mar 2027 Action plans in place, evaluations from staff, data from observations of learning and teaching. Impact Reports from Lead Teachers. Review the Learning and Teaching Framework and Toolkit. Jun 2027 Updated Framework and Toolkit. Planned outcome: By June 2027 there will be increased opportunities for children and young people to access their rights and have their voice heard in school and across the local authority. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Develop and implement a local authority systematic approach to hearing and gathering pupil voice from Nursery to Secondary. Dec 2026 Local authority events will be held. System in place for ELC, primary and secondary. Pupil voice will be evident at local authority level Promote the use of the Learner Participation Framework. Gather and share examples of effective practice through QIF approaches. Jun 2027 QIF data collation Improvement Plan 2026/27
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 11 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: By June 2027 there will be an increase in consistency and quality of practice in profiling learning and skills development. There will be an increase of 8 schools using the National Profiling Tool (NPT). Current baseline is 9 schools. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review and develop Profiling Guidance and Skills Framework Statement, in line with National Skills Model for Scotland. Jun 2027 Profiling Guidance and Skills Statement complete. Promote use of National Profiling Tool and identify and share effective practice from 2025/2026 pilot schools. Oct 2026 Annual Return numbers using NPT Effective practice shared Develop resources and professional learning to support improvement and consistency of approach. Jun 2027 Resources shared Attendance at CLPL and evaluations Planned outcome: Curriculum Design and Improvement: schools and settings will have a shared, high-quality approach to curriculum design and improvement, supported by clear authority-wide principles, strategic coordination and consistent implementation of the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC). Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Develop and share a PKC curriculum strategy Jun 2027 Curriculum strategy documents are developed Schools and settings review curriculum rationales in line with PKC principles Schools make use of toolkit to review curriculum Support implementation of the CIC across PKC schools and settings Jun 2027 CIC understanding is consistent across PKC CIC a key part of School Improvement Plans Subject Networks are aligned to CIC
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 12 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: 2 to18 Curriculum coherence and progression: learners will experience a more coherent and progressive 2 to 18 curriculum, with strengthened transitions, improved Broad General Education (BGE) coherence, and clearer progression in key areas including Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Support Local Management Groups (LMG) to audit, map and strengthen the BGE curriculum. Jun 2027 Audits and maps are complete LMGs identify gaps and plan for effective curricular transitions Develop updated Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing strategies. Jun 2027 Strategy groups are established Draft strategies are developed and shared Planned outcome: Strengthen learner pathways and outcomes: there will be strengthened equitable learner pathways and curriculum delivery models, including Apprenticeships and Career Education (ACE), school–college partnerships (SCP), work-based learning and sustainable timetabling approaches that improve access to relevant learning opportunities for all learners Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Deliver, monitor and evaluate the ACE programme Jun 2027 Leads are in place Monitoring processes established Outcomes are evaluated Plans in place for expansion of offer in 2027/2028 Review and strengthen school college partnerships, work-based learning and wider pathways Jun 2027 Current provision audited Pathways identified and aligned with labour market data Course choice information reflects pathway model Develop sustainable curriculum delivery and timetabling approaches Jun 2027 Timetabling options identified NCCT models identified Recommendations made on school day structures and partnership delivery models
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 13 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: By April 2027, digital tools will be used effectively to enhance high quality teaching and learning evidenced by 80% of lessons using digital technology observed during a QIR are judged as good or above. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Rollout of Children and Young People (CYP) Education MS 365 Tenancy to Highland Perthshire and Perth High LMG Schools with delivery of training and support programme for staff. Apr 2027 Staff audit tool and evaluation of training. Monitoring of use of MS 365 tools within CYP tenancy schools. Update the PKC Learning Teaching and Assessment Framework to include section on effective digital teaching and learning pedagogy. Dec 2026 QIR reports and visits Training evaluations Test of Change evaluations and monitoring of impact from the Digital Improvement Courses Planned outcome: By July 2027, digital tools and approaches will be provided to allow access to a range of curriculum pathways and qualifications aligned to our regional and national skills needs. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Provide a central digital lending library of resources and computing science equipment to support the development of STEM learning Jul 2027 Monitor use of lending library Resources developed and shared Audit digital requirements for new Apprenticeship and Career Education (ACE) pathways and courses with schools, Lead Teachers and partners. Plan with colleagues in IT to implement a cost-effective approach to providing appropriate technology. Jul 2027 Appropriate digital tools, devices and infrastructure in place
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 14 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Improvement Theme 2 – Inclusive Practice/ASN Transformation Planned outcome: By June 2027, Education and Learning will work collaboratively with Trade Unions, Councillors and other stakeholders to lead action to improve relationships and behaviour in schools and ELC settings, implementing 2026 guidance and developing actions and approaches that will improve the experience of children, young people, staff and parents/carers by fostering positive experience of school life and community. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Hold a workshop with stakeholders to co-produce an action plan on relationships and behaviour for the year Oct 2026 Workshop participation Action plan formed Establish a Relationships and Behaviour Collaborative Action Group to oversee and monitor implementation of the action plan Sep 2026 Reduction in distressed, challenging, violent, aggressive or discriminatory behaviours and in exclusions Planned outcome: By June 2027, there will be clear and identifiable pathways of support for children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs in both Primary and Secondary education which will more effectively meet their needs. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Hold a workshop with key stakeholders to support the development of a strategic action plan for the year, ensuring identified priorities reflect the needs of children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEBN). September 2026 Stakeholder participation and representation from key services. • • Agreed priorities identified. • Action plan developed and communicated to stakeholders. Develop and implement a Good Practice Guide to support children and young people with SEBN across all staged levels of intervention, promoting consistency of approach and clarity of support pathways. June 2027 Good Practice Guide completed and shared with schools and relevant services. Evidence of the guide informing planning and support for children and young people with SEBN. Complete an options appraisal for the intensive level of support within the SEBN Pathway, considering full-time, part-time and outreach models of provision. February 2027 Options appraisal completed and presented to senior leadership team.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 15 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Strengths, risks, resource implications and anticipated outcomes identified for each model. Recommendations agreed to inform future service planning. Planned outcome: By August 2027, mainstream learning environments supporting neurodivergent children and young people are appropriate for and meet the needs of almost all. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Guidance: develop and implement a PKC Secondary Inclusive Environments Guidance with recommendations to support schools in creating inclusive physical, sensory and social learning environments. Dec 2026 Guidance and recommendations produced and implemented (evidenced from school self -evaluations, CIRCLE audits etc demonstrating inclusive practice). Training: Deliver targeted professional learning to increase staff knowledge and confidence in creating and maintaining inclusive learning environments. Apr 2027 Increased staff participation in environment specific training. Evidence of improved confidence and understanding evaluated through staff feedback activities. Environmental Adaptions: Implement sensory and environmental adaptations across secondary schools, including regulation spaces, low-stimulus areas e.g. bell removal, visual supports and adjustments that reduce barriers to learning and participation. Aug 2027 Pupil feedback and school evaluation demonstrate improved experiences of sensory, physical and social learning environments across all secondary schools. Improvement in attendance data. Planned outcome: By August 2028, a refreshed GIRFEC approach will be established which will better support the needs of children and young people and their families. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Redesign: Implement new model of resources to support families and schools to meet the needs of children and young people in relation to emotional wellbeing, attendance, engagement and enhanced transition Oct 2027 New family support team will be established Resources will be organised to operate in all four localities
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 16 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Training: Deliver targeted professional learning to ensure equitable access to support for families in all localities Mar 2027 Range of interventions and programmes available in each of the four localities Planned outcome: By August 2027, transition frameworks will be in place to support successful ELC to Primary, primary to secondary and secondary to post-school transitions supporting learners at key points in their learning journey. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Pre-ELC to ELC to Primary Improve identification of ASN and collaborative assessment, planning and sharing of information to support needs to be met at earliest point Dec 2027 Reduced dysregulation in P1 Reduce number of children requiring personal care support for toileting at N4, N5 and P1 Reduce the number of children not meeting developmental milestones at 4- 5 year review Work with key partners to enhance cross sector understanding and consistency of referral for family supports. Jun 2027 Primary to Secondary Strengthen curriculum continuity and alignment of learning, teaching, planning, assessment, moderation and professional collaboration across the P6–S2 phase. Sep 2027 Decline in attendance, engagement and participation during early secondary years decreases. Pilot and evaluate approaches that strengthen belonging, relationships, engagement and participation before and after transition to secondary school, helping to reduce the decline in engagement that can occur during the early secondary years. Jul 2027 Learner and parent feedback demonstrates improved confidence, belonging and preparedness for secondary school. Pilot and evaluate a Primary–Secondary Transition Model in a secondary school and its catchment primaries to inform development of a PKC Primary to Secondary Transition Framework (P6– S2), establishing a consistent approach to transition planning, support and information sharing Aug 2027 Pilot completed and evaluated. Transition Framework agreed All settings use agreed transition planning tools, information-sharing processes and approaches.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 17 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Secondary to post-school Mechanisms established to ensure that the voice and needs of young people and families informs planning for transition Aug 2027 Audit of post-school plans Increase staff confidence in leading post-school transition planning for young people with disabilities Aug 2027 Staff confidence surveyed Continue to increase use of the Compass App to support young people, parents and services Jun 2027 Compass App data All young people will develop a My World of Work profile that supports a successful and sustained transition. Jun 2027 % young people leaving school with a My World of Work profile Planned outcome: By June 2027, staff and learners will be empowered to use accessibility tools effectively, ensuring support is available universally and for targeted needs. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Publish and implement the Assistive Technology Framework and guidance, to provide clear expectations and tools for supporting learners. Oct 2027 Data from assistive technology referrals Implement a common approach and tool to support learners who will require Alternative Assessment Arrangements (AAA's) during Qualifications Scotland (QS) exams Jun 2027 Successful implementation of this in 2 Secondary Schools moved to CYP Tenancy. Package of tools published for AAA Planned outcome: By June 2027, staff in schools and settings will have increased confidence in delivering an effective Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety (CRIS) curriculum, supported by shared resources, consistent approaches and improved awareness to help create safe and empowered learners, schools and communities. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Digital Safeguarding group to ensure adequate level of awareness and consistency/sharing of resources to Jun 2027 QIR Data CRIS Curriculum Audit
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 18 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality support ‘safe and empowered’ schools, communities and learners. Schools and settings are increasingly confident in delivering an effective CRIS curriculum. Staff Confidence Planned outcome: By June 27 Education and Learning will have worked with key partners to support a pilot community-based approach to online harm reduction within the early years. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Agreement on outline principles, key partners and target establishment Oct 2026 Engagement of establishment and partners Development of project plan and actions implemented Jun 2027 Evaluative feedback of pilot Planned outcome: By August 2027, AI tools will support workload reduction for school staff leading on Child or Young Person Plans and their implementation and improve access to learning for children and young people with additional support needs. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Pilot use of AI tools to streamline the Child and Young Person planning process. Dec 2026 Development of transcription too that meets DPIA standards and enables recording of confidential meetings. Questionnaire feedback from pilot project school staff on time spent/saved. Rollout PKC project tools to all Primary Pupil Support Teachers and schools Jun 2027 Questionnaire feedback from pilot project school staff on time spent/ saved Staff are upskilled in using AI tools to personalise learning and support accessibility by a programme of CLPL opportunities. Jun 2027 Feedback from and evaluation of CLPL opportunities Planned outcome: By August 2027, staff across schools will have increased skills through training in Togetherness (previously known as Solihull Approach) to support pupils with the increased complexity of needs, emotional and behavioural issues and wellbeing issues seen across stages. Planned Action Timescale How will we know?
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 19 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Development of training programme for delivery in Perth and Kinross Schools Oct 2027 An improvement in the ability and confidence of practitioners to recognise and respond to the wellbeing needs of pupils Pilot and evaluation of Togetherness training at one secondary school within Perth and Kinross Oct 2027 Planned outcome: By August 2027, 75% of parents accessing support indicate that they feel involved and engaged in their child’s learning. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Parental Involvement and Engagement Strategy for Perth and Kinross is reviewed and revised for 2027 - 2030 Apr 2027 New Strategy approved Increase opportunities for parents to link with other parents, to reduce isolation and increase confidence in their parenting skills. Jun 2027 Facilitated groups operating across locality areas Planned outcome: By June 2027 PKC schools and ELC settings will be supported by a Mental Health framework with principles, expectations and related resources to promote a positive mental health education-based strategy. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review of good practice approaches and needs analysis of PKC schools activity, with outline recommendations Feb 2027 Agreed outline approach for PKC, linked to Integrated Children’s Services Plan (ICSP) Schools clear on principles for promoting positive mental health in schools Formulation of actions Mar 2027 Headteacher awareness of strategic direction for mental health in schools Headteacher awareness of improvement work to include in future in planning Completed development of strategic plan with creation of a Mental Health framework for schools and ELC settings Jun 2027 Publication of framework Clarity of expectations and of offer for schools and establishments
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 20 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 21 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: By June 2027 multi-agency ‘Raising Happy Healthy’ children discussions will have developed into a set of ongoing actions for a more coherent, co-ordinated family support and mental health-based system Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Completion of phase 1 of discussions Agreement on recommendations Discussion with ICSP partners Nov 26 Set or recommendations written and agreed Development of a project plan Mar 27 Action plan in place
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 22 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Improvement Theme 3 – Leadership of Change and Improvement Planned outcome: By December 2026, a Health and Wellbeing strategy for the Education and Learning Workforce will be created; awareness of resources to support staff wellbeing will be raised; and options to widen the corporate wellbeing programme offer reviewed. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review information gathered to date to develop a strategy which aligns with the identified needs of the workforce within Education and Learning. Oct 2026 Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy document Feedback on the strategy Promote wellbeing resources to all PKC schools and establishment using a range of approaches. Dec 2026 Improved response around knowledge of and access to corporate wellbeing supports within future Employee Surveys. Planned outcome: By June 2027 schools with staff wellbeing as a development priority will have been supported through the Mentally Flourishing Schools programme Planned Action Timescale How will we know? 2025/2026 pilot schools Jun 2027 Recorded actions and next steps from 2025/2026 pilot schools Feedback from pilot schools New schools focus on staff wellbeing Jun 2027 New schools recruited New schools actioning staff wellbeing improvements Planned outcome: By June 2027, leadership pathways, strategy and quality assurance approaches will be further developed to facilitate an empowered and distributed model of leadership that supports system leaders to identify need, build capacity, implement change, sustain improvement and increase outcomes for all learners. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Develop and agree a shared vision and understanding of empowerment and distributed leadership including an outline for implementation. Jun 2027 Empowerment and distributed leadership are outlined in a draft leadership pathway framework. This includes a shared script and a route map for implementation.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 23 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Development of a specific pathway for developing leadership of QI 3.1 (Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion) in schools and settings. Jun 2027 Leadership Pathway developed ready for pilot. Pilot Headteacher (HT) trios to build capacity and sustain improvement: school-to-school model of review supported by a framework and professional learning. May 2027 Framework and guidance in place. Training programme designed. Pilot completed. Feedback from pilot participants and trainers (initial and 3-6 months later). Planned outcome: By June 2027 professional learning opportunities and pathways will respond to identified priorities meeting the needs of individuals, schools and settings; building skills, knowledge and capacity across the workforce; and supporting improvement and increased outcomes for learners. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review existing pathways against need for staff at all levels, practitioner, middle leaders, senior leaders, PSAs etc. Jun 2027 Evaluation of and feedback from professional learning opportunities Develop leadership development framework building on existing pathways and linking with partner local authorities Jun 2027 Leadership development framework created and published. Develop a specific pathway for leadership of QI 3.1 - Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. Jun 2027 Improvement in targeted gradings of QI 3.1 in self-evaluation and in internal and external reviews – HMIE inspections and QIRs Reduction in exclusions Improvement of attendance data.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 24 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: By June 2027, identified policy, guidance and organisational structures have been reviewed and adapted to support the development of an effective workforce, rationalise the distribution of resources and enable a collaborative and system wide approach to leading change within a 2 to18 structure. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review of the staffing standard for Primary Schools: consultation, planning, draft, feedback, agreement and publication. Jun 2027 Staffing standard review complete and agreed through consultation, SMT and relevant committees. Organisational review of ELC Service and Childcare Strategy Team to align with a 2 to 18 model and respond to national and local need and development. Jun 2027 Review complete Implementation plan for any recommendations in place and underway. Plan for implementation of reduced class contact time (RCCT) in primary schools: consultation, planning, guidance, recruitment and implementation. Aug 2027 Compliance with SNCT framework. Planned outcome: By June 2027, effective data systems and processes support all leaders and practitioners to effectively use a range of data for improvement and reporting. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Review and develop data analysis and reporting for secondary schools. Jun 2027 Data cycle complete. Dashboards reviewed and updated. Interim reports produced, shared and used to inform support and challenge. Review and develop quality assurance and quality control protocols for Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data. Aug 2026 ACEL data plan and timeline completed. Shared with Quality Improvement team and schools. Preparation for the implementation of a new Management Information System (MIS) to replace SEEMiS. Jun 2027 Complete data audit and data cleansing in preparation for the implementation of a new system. Implementation plan in place.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 25 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Support schools to implement national guidance for ASN categories when national review has been completed. Jun 2027 School ASN data aligned with national guidance. Planned outcome: By June 2027, a Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS) will be developed outlining shared aims, expectations and approaches to raising attainment and achievement and closing gaps for all including learners impacted by poverty, ASN and CECYP. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Establish a stakeholder working group to co-design the Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy, including an agreed development plan and timeline. Oct 2026 Working group established, with terms of reference. Plan and timeline created. Draft completed and approved by SMT and Learning and Families Committee. Sep 2027 Draft approved by SMT and Learning and Families Committee. Planned outcome: By June 2027, overall attendance will have improved across primary and secondary schools in line with locally set targets Planned Action Timescale How will we know? SEF funded attendance project support for identified secondary schools. Sep 2026 Staff in post. Action plan tailored to school needs developed and agreed. Improved attendance data in identified schools. Pathway created to clearly articulate interventions to address attendance at different levels. Sep 2026 Schools will have clear pathway illustration to guide practice. Referral levels to project and interventions. Engagement with key stakeholders through focus groups and a review of current practice including data, policy, guidance and system learning informs a needs analysis and action planning. Dec 2026 Stakeholder views gathered. Need identified. Action plan developed and shared. National Attendance Quality Improvement Programme for identified schools. Apr 2027 Schools identified complete programme. Programme feedback and outcomes, case studies, shared learning.
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 26 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Planned outcome: By June 2027, the Quality Improvement Framework will have been reviewed in line with national and local policy and continue to support central officers, schools and settings to identify risk, provide effective support and challenge and raise standards across all schools and settings. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Working group established, consultation and first draft complete having reviewed areas identified for consideration within phase 1. Phase 2 will commence following publication of updated HMIE guidance expected August 2027. June 2027 First draft will be completed with identified areas from phase 1 of the review. Planned outcome: By July 2027, leaders, at all levels, will be empowered act as role models and drivers of digital change and to upskill and improve digital pedagogy. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Digital strategy core workstream groups to be identified, with lead person and members from schools and central team identified Jul 2027 Action log and group workstream plans Develop a model with all stakeholders to ensure all learners have increased, equitable access to digital technology Jul 2027 Business case accepted by Education and Learning Strategic Lead and SMT for inclusion in the Capital Spend Programme. Training programmes and workshops developed for leaders at all levels Jul 2027 All Headteachers on the Leading Change Programme will report feeling confident in their understanding of high- quality digital learning and teaching pedagogy. 80% of schools will identify a Digital Champion either for their school or Local Management Group (LMG) and attend network meetings. (baseline 56%) All probationers will report feeling confident in the use of digital accessibility tools - 10 practitioners to achieve a Digital Schools Award
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 27 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Scotland (DSAS) Digital Educator and/or Influencer Award Planned outcome: By June 27 the Relationships and Behaviour framework will be augmented by guidance and resources for good practice in community level relationships and behaviour work and by development plans for any gaps in PKC approaches and programmes. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Short literature review Dec 2026 Overview of evidence base report National good practice gathering Jan 2027 Overview of good practice and innovation examples Review of actions to date and agreement on next steps Oct 2026 Action plan drawn up Development plan written and agreed with recommendation, and actions being implemented Jun 2027 Analysis of gaps outlined with suggested actions clarified Planned outcome: By June 2027 schools and ELC settings will have been supported to implement the PKC Relationships and Behaviour framework and consequences guidance. Planned Action Timescale How will we know? Implementation plan developed Jun 2027 Feedback from stakeholders on impact and outcome Completion of practitioner pack Dec 2026 Feedback from practitioners
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 28 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Acronym Meaning AAA Alternative Assessment Arrangements ACE Apprenticeship and Career Education ACEL Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels ACORN Geodemographic Segmentation of the UK’s population AI Artificial Intelligence ASN Additional Support Needs BGE Broad General Education CECYP Care-experienced Children and Young People CIC Curriculum Improvement Cycle CIRCLE Child Inclusion Research into Curriculum Learning Education CLPL Career Long Professional Learning CRIS Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety CSoA Community School of Auchterarder CYP Child or Young Person CYPP Child or Young Person’s Plan CYP Tenancy Secure Microsoft 365 Education Environment DSAS Digital Schools Award Scotland EandL Education and Learning EAL English as an Additional Language ELC Early Learning and Childcare FSM Free School Meals FTE Full-time Equivalent GIRFEC Getting it Right for Every Child HMIE His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education HT Headteacher HWB Health and Wellbeing ICSP Integrated Children’s Services Plan ICT Information and Communication Technology ISP Intensive Support Provision LMG Local Management Group LTA Learning, Teaching and Assessment LTAC Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Curriculum MIS Management Information System NCCT Non-Class Contact Time NHS National Health Service NIF National Improvement Framework NPT National Profiling Tool ONS Office for National Statistics Appendix 1 – Glossary of Terms
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 29 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality PKC Perth and Kinross Council PPST Primary Pupil Support Teacher PSA Pupil Support Assistant QI Quality Indicators QIF Quality Improvement Framework QIO Quality Improvement Officer QIR Quality Improvement Review QS Qualifications Scotland (Previously SQA) RAAS Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy RCCT Reduced Class Contact Time SAC Scottish Attainment Challenge SCP School College Partnership SCQF Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework SDS Skills Development Scotland SEBN Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs SEF Strategic Equity Fund SIMD Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation SMT Senior Management Team STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics UDL Universal Design for Learning UHI University of the Highlands and Islands WFWF Whole Family Wellbeing Fund
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Education Improvement Plan 2026-27 30 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000. You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145. All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility. BSL users can contact us via Contact Scotland BSL, the online British Sign Language video relay interpreting service. Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website https://contactscotland-bsl.org