Agenda Document Pack - Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee - 22/04/2024
Perth and Kinross Council · 22 April 2024
Back to Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee — 22 April 2024 and its agenda
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Securing the future… • Improving services • Enhancing quality of life • Making the best use of public resources Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 15/04/2024 A hybrid meeting of the Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, 22 April 2024 at 13:00. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor John Rebbeck (Convener) Councillor Steven Carr (Vice-Convener) Councillor Michelle Frampton (Vice-Convener) Bailie Chris Ahern Councillor Liz Barrett Councillor Dave Cuthbert Councillor Caroline Shiers Page 1 of 36
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Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee Monday, 22 April 2024 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES/SUBSTITUTES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LEARNING AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE OF 28 AUGUST 2023 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 6 4 STANDARDS AND QUALITY IN SCHOOLS, LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES/DAY CARE OF CHILDREN Report by Strategic Lead - Education and Learning (copy herewith 24/119 (REVISED)) 7 - 36 Page 3 of 36
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EXECUTIVE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LEARNING AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE Minute of Meeting of the Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee held virtually on Monday 28 August 2023 at 1.00pm. Present: Councillors J Rebbeck, S Carr, M Frampton, D Cuthbert, N Khogali, L Barrett, and C Shiers. In Attendance: S Johnstone, A Carr, A Lemon, C Findlay, E Liney, L Rew, J Robertson, S Sweeney and N Thomas (all Education and Children’s Services) and D Williams, M Pasternak and R Ramsay (Corporate and Democratic Services). Councillor J Rebbeck, Convener, Presiding. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting. There were no apologies for absence. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest made in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING The minute of meeting of the Executive Sub-Committee of the Lifelong Learning Committee of 15 May 2023 was submitted, approved as a correct record and authorised for signature. 4. STANDARDS AND QUALITY IN SCHOOLS, LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES/DAY CARE OF CHILDREN There was submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services) (23/231) setting out the key findings following inspections of nurseries by Education Scotland/HM Inspections of Education (HMIE) and of early learning and childcare (ELC) settings undertaken by the Care Inspectorate in the day care of children. Reporting is of inspections reported since the Executive Sub- Committee of Learning and Families Committee on 15 May 2023. Resolved: Having heard from the relevant officers on the key findings of the inspection reports and following consideration and questions from the sub-committee, the contents of Report 22/231 and its appendices, be noted. L&F Exec Page 5 of 36
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SUB-COMMITTEE OF LEARNING & FAMILIES COMMITTEE 22 APRIL 2024 STANDARDS AND QUALITY IN SCHOOLS, LEARNING COMMUNITIES AND PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES/DAY CARE OF CHILDREN Report by Strategic Lead – Education and Learning (Report No. 24/119 (REVISED)) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 This report sets out the key findings following inspections of schools and nurseries by Education Scotland/His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) and of early learning and childcare (ELC) settings undertaken by the Care Inspectorate in the day care of children. Reporting is of inspections reported since the Executive Sub-Committee of Learning & Families Committee on 28 August 2023. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: • Considers and comments as appropriate on the contents of the report. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Recently Published Reports • Section 6: Performance Summary • Section 7: Conclusion • Appendices 4. BACKGROUND 4.1 Education Scotland/HMIE Inspections 4.1.1 As required for the National Improvement Framework, HMIE will report on and provide grades for the following Quality Indicators (QIs) as part of full model inspections: • 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. Short model inspections focus on QIs 2.3 and 3.2. L&F Exec Page 7 of 36
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4.2 ELC Inspections 4.2.1 ELC settings are subject to inspections from the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland and can experience joint inspections where both scrutiny bodies evaluate the quality of the provision. 4.2.2 An updated quality framework for day care of children, childminding and school aged childcare, February 2022 was published by the Care Inspectorate in July 2021 and was used in test inspections, without published grades, before full implementation. This framework is now in place for inspections carried out since 1 June 2022. 4.2.3 The framework is framed around four key questions. Each of these include a number of QIs for actual inspection which are: • How good is our care, play and learning? • How good is our setting? • How good is our leadership? • How good is our staff team? The final key question is: What is our overall capacity for improvement? This requires a global judgement based on evidence and evaluations from all the other key areas but is not evaluated specifically. 4.2.4 Each QI is graded on a 6-point scale in which 1 = unsatisfactory, 2 = weak, 3 = adequate, 4 = good, 5 = very good and 6 = excellent, and the overall key question evaluation is based on the lowest QI rating if more than one is completed. Following the publication of Funding Follows the Child and the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers: Principles and Practice, all ELC settings must gain evaluations of good or better to be able to provide funded ELC in partnership with the local authority. 4.2.5 Recommendations and requirements may follow an inspection. • Recommendations: statements that set out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service; and • Requirements: statements which set out what is required of the care service provider to comply with relevant legislation. 4.2.6 Care service providers must submit an action plan to the Care Inspectorate addressing any requirements and recommendations identified. Progress against the action plan is monitored by the Care Inspectorate through annual return and self-assessment forms submitted by the care service provider, and through subsequent inspection. Page 8 of 36
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5. RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORTS 5.1 Education Scotland/HMIE Inspections 5.1.1 Since the Executive Sub-Committee of Learning & Families Committee on 28 August 2023, the following reports have been published by Education Scotland1: • Perth Academy Perth Academy was inspected in November 2023 by Education Scotland. Education Scotland will make a further visit in connection with this inspection due to two ‘weak’ evaluations. The evaluations against the QIs are shown in Appendix 1. At the time of the 2023 pupil census, the school had 1011 secondary school children enrolled. The secondary school had a staffing complement of 82.68 FTE teachers. The detailed Summarised Inspection Findings for Perth Academy is available online. • Abernyte Primary School Abernyte Primary School was inspected in October 2023 by Education Scotland. Education Scotland will make no further visits in connection with this inspection. The evaluations against the QIs are shown in Appendix 2. At the time of the 2023 pupil census, the school had 27 primary school children enrolled. The primary school had a staffing complement of 2.72 full time equivalent (FTE) teachers. The detailed Summarised Inspection Findings for Abernyte Primary School is available online. • Collace Primary School Collace Primary School was inspected in November 2023 by Education Scotland. Education Scotland will make no further visits in connection with this inspection. The evaluations against the QIs are shown in Appendix 3. At the time of the 2023 pupil census, the school had 25 primary school children enrolled. The primary school had a staffing complement of 3.25 FTE teachers. The detailed Summarised Inspection Findings for Collace Primary School is available online. • Craigie Primary School Craigie Primary School and Nursery was inspected in June 2023 by Education Scotland. Education Scotland will make no further visits in connection with this inspection. The evaluations against the QIs are shown in Appendix 4. At the time of the 2023 pupil census, the school had 186 primary school children and 28 nursery children enrolled. The primary school had a staffing complement of 11.29 FTE teachers. The detailed Summarised Inspection Findings for Craigie Primary School and the Summarised Inspection Findings for Craigie Primary School Nursery Class are available online. 1 As at 31 Jan 2024 Page 9 of 36
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5.2 Care Inspectorate Inspections - Day Care of Children 5.2.1 A total of 16 inspections have been undertaken and published2 by the Care Inspectorate since the Executive Sub-Committee of Learning & Families Committee on 28 August 2023. 5.2.2 Of these reports, none were reported as an exception (where any grading has been awarded an evaluation of unsatisfactory, weak, or excellent). 5.2.3 For the 16 published inspections; of the 64 indicators inspected; 9 received ‘adequate’, 29 received ‘good’ and 26 received ‘very good’. 5.3 Care Inspectorate Inspections - Childminding Services 5.3.1 From academic year 2019/20, childminders commenced providing funded hours within the Councils ELC expansion plan for 1140 hours. All registered childminders are inspected by the Care Inspectorate using the updated quality framework for day care of children, childminding and school aged childcare, February 2022. 5 childminder inspections have been undertaken and published3 by the Care Inspectorate since the Executive Sub-Committee of Learning & Families Committee on 28 August 2023. 5.3.2 Inspections of those childminders that have funded places in partnership with the Council will be included in this report by exception, as for other childcare settings. No inspections require reporting in this way to date. Performance/benchmarking information will be developed as numbers of these increase. For the 5 published inspections; of the 20 indicators inspected; 19 received a ‘very good’ grading evaluation and 1 received a ‘good’ grading evaluation. 6. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 6.1 Inspections: Education Scotland/HMIE 6.1.1 This section provides a summary of the performance of ELC settings and schools since August 2016 in inspections undertaken by Education Scotland. Since August 2016, the inspection model has changed with QI 1.1 Self- evaluation for self-improvement is no longer being evaluated. 6.1.2 28 ELC providers and 35 primary schools have been inspected since the beginning of academic session 2016/17. There have been 3 secondary school inspections carried out in the same period. 6.1.3 Table 1 below gives a summary of the evaluations for each QI for all ELC, primary & secondary school inspections. 2 As at 31 Jan 2024 3 As at 31 Jan 2024 Page 10 of 36
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Table 1: Number of QI Evaluations - 2016/17 to date. ELC QI Grading 1.3 Leadership of change 2.3 Learning, teaching & assessment 3.2 Securing children’s progress 3.1 Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion 1.1 Self-evaluation for self- improvement All QIs Excellent - - - - - - Very Good 5 6 7 7 - 25 Good 8 10 13 10 1 42 Satisfactory 5 7 3 1 1 17 Weak - 1 3 - - 4 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 18 23 25 18 2 88 Primary Schools QI Grading 1.3 Leadership of change 2.3 Learning, teaching & assessment 3.2 Raising attainment & achievement 3.1 Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion 1.1 Self-evaluation for self- improvement All QIs Excellent 1 - - 1 - 2 Very Good 8 7 11 8 3 33 Good 6 13 13 10 - 36 Satisfactory 4 7 6 - 1 18 Weak - 1 2 - - 3 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 17 25 29 17 4 102 Secondary Schools QI Grading 1.3 Leadership of change 2.3 Learning, teaching & assessment 3.2 Raising attainment & achievement 3.1 Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion 1.1 Self-evaluation for self- improvement All QIs Excellent - - - - - - Very Good - - - - - - Good - - 1 1 - 2 Satisfactory 3 3 2 1 - 9 Weak - 1 1 1 - 3 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 3 4 4 3 0 14 6.1.4 In Perth and Kinross, there is an expectation that ELC provision and schools meet “good” evaluations in all QIs. This is higher than the national “satisfactory” expectation. Therefore, where a school or ELC setting receives less than a “good” evaluation, the Quality Improvement Officer for the school/setting works with the Headteacher/Manager to develop an action plan which will secure improvement in the areas of identified need. 6.1.5 Benchmarking data for ELC, primary and secondary inspections up to February 2024, using national and comparator authority information, is shown in Appendix 5. Page 11 of 36
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6.1.6 For all ELC QIs evaluated from 2016/17 to date, 76% were graded as Good or better. 6.1.7 For all primary school QIs evaluated from 2016/17 to date, 79% were graded as Good or better. 6.2 Inspections: Day Care of Children 6.2.1 This section provides a summary of the performance of ELC settings in inspections carried out by the Care Inspectorate. A total of 28 Day Care services across Perth and Kinross have been inspected by the Care Inspectorate since the beginning of the financial year 2023/24. 6.2.2 Table 2 below gives a summary of the evaluations for each Key Question. A summary list of inspections as well as benchmarking over a longer time period (since financial year 2022/23) against national and comparator data can be found in Appendix 6. This also includes an analysis of overall evaluation statistics to give the current position of inspections. Table 2: Number of Day Care of Children Evaluations Received in PKC 2023/24 to Date. QI Grading How good is our care, play and learning How good is our setting How good is our staff team How good is our leadership All QIs Excellent 0 0 0 0 0 Very Good 10 14 19 13 56 Good 15 12 6 10 43 Satisfactory 2 2 3 4 11 Weak 1 0 0 0 1 Unsatisfactory 0 0 0 1 1 Total 28 28 28 28 112 6.2.3 There is an expectation that ELC providers meet “good” evaluations in all QIs. Therefore, where an ELC provider receives less than a “good” evaluation, the Service Manager and Quality Improvement Officer for the ELC establishment works with the Headteacher/Manager/Leader to develop an action plan which will secure improvement in the areas of identified need. 7. Conclusion Inspection reports provide further information on the standards and quality in PKC schools, nurseries and funded partners providing ELC. This report sets out the outcomes of Education Scotland and Care Inspectorate reports of schools and ELC settings inspected and published since 28 August 2023. The overall performance of schools and ELC settings in inspections is strong, and where necessary, action plans put in place provide evidence of continuous improvement. Page 12 of 36
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Author Name Designation Contact Details James Chiles Performance Officer ECSCommittee@pkc.gov.uk 01738 475000 Approved Name Designation Date Sheena Devlin Strategic Lead – Education and Learning 26 March 2024 Page 13 of 36
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes/None Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement None Corporate Plan None Resource Implications Financial None Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment None Strategic Environmental Assessment None Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) None Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal None External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement in terms of the following priorities: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. This report relates to Objective No. (i) Corporate Plan 1.2 This section sets out how the proposals relate to the achievement of the Council’s Corporate Plan Objectives: (i) Giving every child the best start in life; (ii) Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens; (iii) Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy; (iv) Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives; and (v) Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations. This report relates to Objective No. (i) Page 14 of 36
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1.3 The report also links to the Education & Children’s Services Vision, Values and Priorities in respect of the following key Priority area: • Best Start 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 N/A Workforce 2.2 N/A Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 N/A 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. The proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.2.1 The proposals have been considered under the Act; however, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. This is because the Committee are requested to note the contents of the report only and the Committee are not being requested to approve, adopt or agree to an action or to set the framework for future decisions. Sustainability 3.3 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change Page 15 of 36
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(Scotland) Act 2009 the Council also has a duty relating to climate change and, in exercising its functions must act: • In the way best calculated to delivery of the Act’s emissions reduction targets. • In the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaption programmes. • In a way that it considers most sustainable. 3.3.1 N/A Legal and Governance 3.4 N/A 3.5 N/A Risk 3.6 N/A 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 Service Managers within Education and Learning. External 4.2 N/A 5. Communication 5.1 N/A 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (and not containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in preparing the above report. 3. APPENDICES 3.1 Appendix 1 – Perth Academy Inspection Report Appendix 2 – Abernyte Primary School Inspection Report Appendix 3 – Collace Primary School Inspection Report Appendix 4 – Craigie Primary School and Nursery Class Inspection Report Appendix 5 – Summary of Education Scotland HMIE Inspections Appendix 6 – Summary of Care Inspectorate Day Care of Children Inspections Page 16 of 36
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1 | Perth Academy, Perth and Kinross Council, 5350638 © Crown Copyright 5 March 2024 Dear Parent/Carer In November 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Perth Academy - Acadamaidh Pheairt. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and young people and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. These apply to Gàidhlig (Gaelic) and English Medium Education. • Through a period of considerable change, the headteacher has established a clear vision for improvement. She is increasingly engaging stakeholders in school improvement and providing support and challenge to the school community to increase aspiration and ambition. • Young people are welcoming and respectful. Most demonstrate a positive attitude to school and value their learning. • Young people are developing important skills through their participation in a wide range of out of class activities. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Perth and Kinross Council. • The local authority should continue to work with the headteacher to stabilise school leadership and support school improvement further. All key stakeholders, including learners, should be engaged more effectively in agreeing improvement priorities. • Staff need to improve the quality of learning and teaching across the school. They should plan tasks and activities that are more motivating, relevant and set at the right level of difficulty for young people. • Senior leaders and staff should review approaches to improving wellbeing, attainment and achievement to enable all young people to maximise their potential and achieve success. All stakeholders should contribute to improving wellbeing for the whole school community. • The local authority should continue to support staff as they improve Gàidhlig and implement their vision for change. Young people should be encouraged further to continue with Gàidhlig (Gaelic) Medium Education as they move from primary to secondary stages and through the senior phase to gain qualifications. All staff across the school should play their part in developing a positive ethos for Gàidhlig that promotes equity and equality. L&F Exec Page 17 of 36
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2 | Perth Academy, Perth and Kinross Council, 5350638 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using four quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for Perth Academy Quality indicators Evaluation Leadership of change satisfactory Learning, teaching and assessment weak Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion weak Raising attainment and achievement satisfactory Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school needs additional support and more time to make necessary improvements. We will liaise with Perth and Kinross Council regarding the school’s capacity to improve. We will return to carry out a further inspection of the school within 12 months of the publication of this letter. We will discuss with Perth and Kinross Council the details of this inspection. When we return to inspect the school we will write to you as parents/carers informing you of the progress the school has made. David Drysdale HM Inspector Page 18 of 36
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12 December 2023 Dear Parent/Carer In October 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Abernyte Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Children who are polite, confident and keen to contribute. Children engage very well and are proud of sharing their learning and achievements, such as their knowledge of nature and the environment. • The extremely effective leadership of the headteacher in creating a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Together with staff, their relentless focus on wellbeing and improvement results in very positive outcomes for learners. • The high-quality indoor and outdoor learning experiences provided by staff, including through use of digital technologies, enriching learning very well. • The high levels of attainment and achievement across the school. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Perth and Kinross Council. • Continue to extend strong partnership working through linking further with other schools for aspects of children’s learning, to support children to achieve maximum success. 1 | Abernyte Primary School, Perth and Kinross Council, 5340225 © Crown Copyright L&F Exec Page 19 of 36
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We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using four quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for Abernyte Primary School. Quality indicators Evaluation Leadership of change very good Learning, teaching and assessment very good Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion very good Raising attainment and achievement very good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Details | Find an inspection report | Find an inspection report | Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. Perth and Kinross Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. Sally Stewart HM Inspector 2 | Abernyte Primary School, Perth and Kinross Council, 5340225 © Crown Copyright Page 20 of 36
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1 | Collace Primary School, Perth and Kinross Council, 5342422 © Crown Copyright 23 January 2024 Dear Parent/Carer In November 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Collace Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • The strong ethos of teamwork among staff. They have remained resilient and positive through times of change, always putting children first. • Articulate, enthusiastic and happy children. They enjoy learning together in mixed age groups. Older children show kindness and understanding as they support younger ones. • Highly successful partnerships with parents and the local community. These partnerships enhance children’s experiences and ensure that Collace Primary School is truly at the heart of the community. • The highly effective headteacher. In a very short time, she has identified the strengths of the school and key areas for improvement. She has quickly gained the confidence of staff, children and parents. She demonstrates the significant leadership skills and experience to help the school to continue to flourish and grow. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Perth and Kinross Council. • Continue to raise children’s attainment in literacy by sharing best practice in learning, teaching and assessment across the staff team. • Continue to develop the curriculum to broaden children’s experiences and skills, in and beyond their school and community. This includes learning more about their own wellbeing and resilience, the world of work and diversity in wider society. • As planned, increase the ways that parents can contribute to improving the school and participate as full partners in their children’s learning. L&F Exec Page 21 of 36
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2 | Collace Primary School, Perth and Kinross Council, 5342422 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using four quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for Collace Primary School Quality indicators Evaluation Leadership of change good Learning, teaching and assessment good Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Details | Find an inspection report | Find an inspection report | Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. Perth and Kinross Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. Lesley A Allan HM Inspector Page 22 of 36
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1 | Craigie Primary School and Nursery Class, Perth and Kinross Council, 5346827 © Crown Copyright 12 September 2023 Dear Parent/Carer In June 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Craigie Primary School and Nursery Class. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • The school’s shared values and supportive learning environment. This helps to create an inclusive and caring ethos in the school and nursery where children are valued and supported in their learning and wellbeing. Staff have positive and caring relationships with children. Children are kind and respectful to each other. • The effective teamwork amongst the staff in the school and nursery. All staff are keen to develop their skills and improve the learning experiences and outcomes for children. • The effective use of data by senior leaders and staff. They use assessment information to identify and plan the correct support for children who require extra help. This is helping all children to make progress and achieve success. • The high-quality experiences for children in the nursery class. They thrive in the exciting and stimulating nursery spaces. Practitioners work hard to ensure that all children in the nursery make the best possible progress in the learning. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Perth and Kinross Council. • Continue to develop high-quality learning and teaching more consistently across the school. Ensure that learning activities are challenging enough and well matched to the needs of all children. • Provide children with more opportunities to lead their own learning. Continue to help children to identify and talk about the skills they are developing through the range of experiences they take part in. • Continue to build on the good progress the school has made to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy. L&F Exec Page 23 of 36
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2 | Craigie Primary School and Nursery Class, Perth and Kinross Council, 5346827 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition) and How good is our early learning and childcare?. Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for Craigie Primary School and Nursery Class Quality indicators for the primary school Evaluation Learning, teaching and assessment good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale Quality indicators for the nursery class Evaluation Learning, teaching and assessment very good Securing children’s progress very good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our early learning and childcare? Appendix 1: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Reports page | Inspection reports | Education Scotland. What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. Perth and Kinross Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. Simon Gallon HM Inspector Page 24 of 36
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REVISED Appendix 5: Summary of Education Scotland Inspections National and Comparator Authority1 Benchmarking 2016/17 to 2023/24 Pre-School Inspections 1 Comparator local authorities are Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute, Highland, Scottish Borders and Stirling. – No data available for 2023/24. L&F Exec Page 25 of 36
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Primary Inspections Secondary Inspections Page 26 of 36
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Inspections from 2016/17 to date Pre-School Inspections Academic Year Name of School/Partner Provider Type Inspection Date Publication Date Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Securing children’s progress Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement 2016/17 Dunning Stepping Stones Full Feb-17 Mar-17 Good Good Good Good - 2016/17 Glenlyon Primary School Full Mar-17 May-17 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2016/17 St Dominic's RC Primary School Full Sep-16 Nov-16 Good Good Good Very Good - 2017/18 Alyth Primary School Short Jan-18 Apr-18 - - Good - Satisfactory 2017/18 Robert Douglas Memorial School Full Feb-18 Apr-18 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2017/18 Honeypot Children's Nursery - Luncarty Full Feb-18 May-18 Good Good Good Good - 2017/18 The Wendy House Full May-18 Jul-18 Very Good Good Good Very Good - 2017/18 Balbeggie Primary School Full May-18 Aug-18 Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Good - 2017/18 Arngask Primary School Short Jun-18 Sep-18 - - Good - Good 2018/19 Letham Primary School Full Sep-18 Oct-18 Satisfactory Weak Weak Good - 2018/19 Kinross Primary School Full Oct-18 Jan-19 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2018/19 Newhill Primary School Full Jan-19 Mar-19 Good Good Good Very Good - 2018/19 Goodlyburn Primary School Full Apr-19 Jun-19 Good Satisfactory Satisfactory Good - 2018/19 Methven Primary School Short May-19 Sep-19 - Very Good Very Good - - 2019/20 Braco Primary School Short Oct-19 Dec-19 - Very Good Very Good - - 2019/20 Inchture Primary School Full Dec-19 Feb-20 Good Good Good Good - 2019/20 St Madoes Primary School Full Feb-20 Mar-20 Good Good Good Good - 2022/23 Crieff Primary School Short Nov-22 Jan-23 Good Good Good Good - 2022/23 St Ninian’s Episcopal Primary School Full Dec-22 Jan-23 - Satisfactory Weak - - Page 27 of 36
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Academic Year Name of School/Partner Provider Type Inspection Date Publication Date Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Securing children’s progress Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement 2022/23 Auchtergaven Primary School Full Apr-23 Jun-23 - Satisfactory Satisfactory - - 2022/23 Invergowrie Primary School Full Mar-23 May-23 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2022/23 Craigclowan Preparatory School and Pre-School Full Jan-23 Mar-23 Very Good Good Very Good Very Good - 2023/24 Craigie Primary School Short Jun-23 Sep-23 - Very Good Very Good - - Primary Inspections Academic Year Name of School Type Inspection Date Publication Date Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement 2016/17 Glenlyon Primary School Full Mar-17 May-17 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2016/17 Muthill Primary School Short Feb-17 Apr-17 - - Very Good - Very Good 2016/17 Ruthvenfield Primary School Full Oct-16 Dec-16 Very Good Very Good Very Good Good - 2016/17 St Dominic's RC Primary School Full Sep-16 Nov-16 Good Good Good Very Good - 2017/18 Grandtully Primary School Short Sep-17 Oct-17 - - Very Good - Very Good 2017/18 Portmoak Primary School Full Sep-17 Nov-17 Excellent Very Good Very Good Excellent - 2017/18 Alyth Primary School Short Jan-18 Apr-18 - - Satisfactory - Satisfactory 2017/18 Robert Douglas Memorial School Full Feb-18 Apr-18 Good Good Good Very Good - 2017/18 Balbeggie Primary School Full May-18 Aug-18 Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Good - 2017/18 Arngask Primary School Short Jun-18 Sep-18 - - Very Good - Very Good 2018/19 Letham Primary School Full Sep-18 Oct-18 Satisfactory Satisfactory Weak Good - 2018/19 Kinross Primary School Full Oct-18 Jan-19 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2018/19 Newhill Primary School Full Jan-19 Mar-19 Good Good Good Good - Page 28 of 36
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Academic Year Name of School Type Inspection Date Publication Date Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement 2018/19 Cleish Primary School Short Mar-19 May-19 - Good Very Good - - 2018/19 Goodlyburn Primary School Full Apr-19 Jun-19 Good Good Satisfactory Very Good - 2018/19 Burrelton Primary School Short May-19 Jun-19 - Very Good Very Good - - 2018/19 Logiealmond Primary School Full May-19 Sep-19 Good Good Good Good - 2018/19 Glendelvine Primary School Short Jun-19 Sep-19 - Good Good - - 2018/19 Methven Primary School Short May-19 Sep-19 - Satisfactory Satisfactory - - 2019/20 Braco Primary School Short Oct-19 Dec-19 - Good Good - - 2019/20 Inchture Primary School Full Dec-19 Feb-20 Very Good Good Good Very Good - 2019/20 St Madoes Primary School Full Feb-20 Mar-20 Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Good - 2022/23 Crieff Primary School Full Nov-22 Jan-23 Very Good Good Good Good - 2022/23 St Ninian’s Episcopal Primary School Short Dec-22 Jan-23 - Satisfactory Satisfactory - - 2022/23 Auchtergaven Primary School Full Apr-23 Jun-23 - Satisfactory Satisfactory - - 2022/23 Invergowrie Primary School Full Mar-23 May-23 Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Good - 2022/23 Pitlochry High School2 Full Apr-23 Jun-23 Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Good - 2022/23 Rattray Primary School Full Feb-23 Apr-23 Very Good Good Good Good - 2023/24 Craigie Primary School Short Jun-23 Sep-23 - Good Good - - 2023/24 Abernyte Primary School Full Oct-23 Dec-23 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good - 2023/24 Collace Primary School Full Nov-23 Jan-24 Good Good Good Good - 2 Graded as All Through school – results are the same for Primary & Secondary. Page 29 of 36
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Secondary Inspections Academic Year Name of School Type Inspection Date Publication Date Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement 2018/19 Perth High School Full Nov-18 Jan-19 Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory - 2019/20 Perth Grammar School Short Nov-19 Jan-20 - Satisfactory Weak - - 2022/23 Pitlochry High School3 Full Apr-23 Jun-23 Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Good - 2023/24 Perth Academy Full Nov-23 Mar-24 Satisfactory Weak Satisfactory Weak - 3 Graded as All Through school – results are the same for Primary & Secondary. Page 30 of 36
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Appendix 6: Summary of Care Inspectorate Day Care of Children Inspections National and Comparator Authority Benchmarking 2023/24 to date (Comparator and National Data as of 31 Jan 2024*) *All data supplied by Care Inspectorate Data Store and covers published inspections to 31/01/2024. This includes PKC Partner Provider settings for PKC and non-local authority supplied settings for Comparator Authorities/National. L&F Exec Page 31 of 36
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Overall, most ELC settings perform well. PKC perform consistently better than comparator authorities, and at national level when inspected by Care Inspectorate. Almost all inspections show that ELC settings provide high quality provision for the children under ‘How good is our setting’. Most inspections are good or better for the ‘How good is our care, play and learning’, ‘How good is our staff team’ and ‘How good is our leadership’. Under the new grading system, we are now scoring above our comparator authorities and at national level. A continued focus on embedding the Experiences and Spaces Document and Family Mealtime Experience audit are both having a very positive impact on the grading for How good is our setting. The ELC Leadership programme continues to support the How good is our Leadership grading with a focus on the high standard of Quality Assurance, robust Self Evaluation and Improvement Planning. It should be noted that the Early Years Team are currently working with a number of settings to take forward action plans to address the outcomes of these inspections. Where evaluations are adequate or weak, a ‘team around the setting’ approach is taken in order to secure improvements. Currently, action plans are in for 4 settings which are supported by relevant officers. These are regularly monitored and reviewed with a final report on improvements being presented to parents. Inspections in Financial Year 2021/22 and Later under the new grading system *New inspections since the last Executive Sub-Committee of Learning & Families Committee Local Authority Service Name Inspectio n Date How good is our care, play and learning How good is our setting How good is our staff team How good is our Leadership *Alyth Primary School Nursery 26/06/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Good Balhousie and North Muirton ELC 04/03/2022 Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good *Blair Atholl Primary School Nursery 29/09/2023 Very Good Good Very Good Very Good Comrie Primary School Nursery 02/05/2023 Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Coupar Angus Primary School Nursery 13/09/2022 Good Very Good Good Very Good Dunbarney Primary School Nursery 25/05/2022 Good Good Very Good Good Errol Primary School Nursery 27/09/2022 Good Very Good Good Very Good *Errol Primary School Nursery 23/11/2023 Good Very Good Very Good Good Fossoway Primary School Nursery 09/03/2023 Good Good Very Good Very Good Page 32 of 36
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Service Name Inspectio n Date How good is our care, play and learning How good is our setting How good is our staff team How good is our Leadership *Glenlyon Primary School Nursery 29/09/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Goodlyburn and City of Perth Early Childhood Centre 06/03/2023 Very Good Weak Good Adequate Guildtown Primary School Nursery 22/11/2021 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Inch View Primary School Nursery and Wrap Around Care Service 22/03/2023 Good Good Good Good Inchture Primary School Nursery 20/03/2023 Very Good Very Good Excellent Very Good *Kinnoull Kids Club 08/12/2023 Very Good Good Very Good Good *Kirkmichael Primary School Nursery 09/09/2023 Good Good Very Good Very Good Letham Primary School Early Childhood Centre 21/02/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Logierait Primary School Nursery 06/05/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Longforgan Primary School Nursery 09/06/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Luncarty Nursery Class and Wrap Around Care 28/02/2022 Good Good Adequate Good Luncarty Nursery Class and Wrap Around Care 04/11/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good *Milnathort Kids Club 09/11/2023 Good Good Very Good Adequate Milnathort Primary School Nursery 26/04/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Murthly Primary School Nursery 15/05/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Newhill Primary School Nursery 12/05/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Oakbank Primary School Nursery 16/06/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Pitlochry High 17/11/2022 Good Very Good Good Very Good Rattray Early Childhood Centre 09/12/2022 Good Very Good Good Very Good Riverside Primary School 22/04/2022 Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Robert Douglas Memorial Primary School Nursery 18/11/2022 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Royal School of Dunkeld Primary School Nursery 25/11/2022 Very Good Good Very Good Very Good St. John’s Academy Nursery Class 30/08/2021 Good Good Good Good St. Ninian’s Episcopal Primary School Nursery 15/12/2021 Very Good Good Very Good Good Page 33 of 36
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Service Name Inspectio n Date How good is our care, play and learning How good is our setting How good is our staff team How good is our Leadership *The Community School of Auchterarder 31/05/2023 Good Good Good Very Good *Tulloch Primary School Nursery 07/11/2023 Good Good Good Good Partner Providers Service Name Inspection Date How good is our care, play and learning How good is our setting How good is our staff team How good is our Leadership ABC Day Nursery 12/05/2023 Weak Adequate Unsatisfactory Adequate *ABC Day Nursery 13/09/2023 Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate Ardvreck Nursery 23/08/2022 Good Very Good Good Good Auchlone Nature Kindergarten 25/04/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Bright Starts Nursery 20/05/2022 Adequate Good Adequate Adequate Bright Starts Nursery 23/05/2023 Good Good Good Good Busy Bees Nursery 11/01/2022 Very Good Good Very Good Good Cheeky Monkeys 23/05/2023 Good Good Good Good Cornerstones Nursery 26/04/2021 Good Good Good Good *Country Bumpkins 17/10/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Daisy Chain Nursery School Perth LTD 23/09/2022 Adequate Adequate Weak Adequate Daisy Chain Nursery School Perth LTD 26/05/2023 Good Good Good Good *Doodlebugs Day Nursery (Aberuthven) 26/05/2023 Good Good Very Good Adequate Fair City Munchkins Day Nursery 05/08/2022 Adequate Good Good Good *Fair City Munchkins Day Nursery 13/09/2023 Good Very Good Very Good Very Good FossoPLAY Outdoor Nursery 03/05/2022 Very Good Very Good Good Very Good *Here4you Childminding 12/09/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good *Honeypot Children’s Nursery – Almondbank 06/07/2023 Good Good Very Good Good Page 34 of 36
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*Honeypot Children’s Nursery - Luncarty 24/08/2023 Good Very Good Good Good Just 4 Kidz 02/07/2021 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Lauriston Nursery @ Kinross 06/10/2022 Good Very Good Very Good Very Good *Linda Anderson 10/11/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Little Scallywags Nursery 14/12/2021 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Little Steps Childcare 21/09/2021 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good *Maria’s Childminding Service 22/06/2023 Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good *Morag Fielding 14/12/2023 Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Morrison's Academy Nursery 01/06/2022 Good Good Good Good *Muirton Community Nursery 09/11/2023 Good Very Good Very Good Good Perth College Nursery 08/11/2021 Very Good Good Very Good Good Rosemount Nursery School Ltd 13/09/2021 Very Good Good Very Good Very Good Swansacre Playgroup 06/02/2023 Good Good Good Very Good Thrive Childcare and Education Corner House Perth 23/06/2022 Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate *Thrive Childcare and Education Corner House Perth 02/08/2023 Adequate Good Adequate Adequate Current Position The chart shown is an illustration of the individual results of the most recent inspection for each setting. Some settings will be inspected more than once during this period, and some Quality Indicators are not covered in every inspection. The accumulated result of all these inspections is the position of all Early Learning and Childcare services in Perth & Kinross. This chart summarises the proportion of settings that have a Good or better rating, based on the latest inspection for each indicator, and therefore reflects the current gradings of Early Learning and Childcare services in PKC. Page 35 of 36
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