External Education Establishment Inspection Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 8 June 2023
Back to Community Services Committee — 8 June 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 8 JUNE 2023 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during the period January 2023 to May 2023. 1.2 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 8 JUNE 2023 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during the period January 2023 to May 2023. 2.2 As required for the National Improvement Framework, HMIE report on and provide grades for the following Quality Indicators (QIs) as part of full model inspections (which typically take place over a full school week): QI 1.3 – leadership of change; QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; QI 3.1 – ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement In addition they include a focus on the following themes from other QIs: QI 2.2 curriculum: learning pathways QI 2.7 partnerships: parental engagement 2.3 Short model inspections (typically over two and a half days) focus on two QIs: QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement HMIE continue to have a focus on safeguarding in every inspection. 2.4 In inspections of early learning and childcare settings, HMIE use the equivalent QIs from ‘How Good Is Our Early Learning and Childcare?’
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3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland. 4.0 DETAIL – School Inspections 4.1 Lochdonhead Primary School was inspected week beginning 9th January using the long model inspection. The school received extremely positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to the compassionate, articulate, independent children who display an enthusiasm for learning; the highly effective leadership and direction of the headteacher and principal teacher; very high quality teaching and learning provision; and, the very well- established, high-quality community and partnership working and its significant impact. The evaluative grades highlighted the school’s excellence in learning, teaching and assessment. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) can be found below: Reports page | Inspection reports | Education Scotland 4.2 Islay High School was inspected week beginning 16th January using the long model inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to senior leaders and staff working well together to develop a caring ethos where young people feel valued and included; the range of useful, individualised feedback young people receive particularly from S3 to S6 which helps them attain well in National Qualifications by the end of S6; the student support team which is highly effective in planning and reviewing young people’s wellbeing needs. As a result young people who require additional support feel included and achieve success in their learning; and, the young people who are keen to learn through Gaelic in a range of situations, achieved through the use of technologies and established partners in the community. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) can be found below: Reports page | Inspection reports | Education Scotland
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4.3 Kilmartin Primary School was inspected week beginning 30th January using the short model of inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to the friendly children across the ELC and school who are friendly and keen to learn; the supportive way that the headteacher, school staff, partners and the wider community work together to enrich the curriculum through a variety of experiences; and, the commitment of the Headteacher and staff to improve further children’s learning experiences by engaging in appropriate professional learning. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) can be found below: Reports page | Inspection reports | Education Scotland 4.4 Strachur Primary School was inspected week beginning 17th April using the short model of inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to the friendly, polite children who enjoy their learning and are proud of their school and ELC and keen to share their successes and achievements with visitors; the headteacher and staff who know children and families well and create a welcoming, inclusive ethos across the ELC and school where children are nurtured and supported to succeed; staff in the ELC and school who provide children with rich, real-life learning opportunities, making good use of the local environment and the wider community. Children engage well with these experiences which supports them to make good progress in their learning; and, ELC practitioners who undertake high quality professional learning which is having a positive impact on the quality of children’s experiences, interactions and spaces. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s website. 4.5 Education Scotland visited Campbeltown Grammar School in January 2018 and, following the visit, published a letter in April, 2018 outlining the school’s key strengths and areas for improvement. They revisited the school in 2019 resulting in a published report in 2020 which noted improvements but concluded that the school had made insufficient progress against the points for action since the original inspection. Consequently, the school was visited again in December 2021. The subsequent report and letter to parents highlighted that staff had made progress in taking forward the areas for improvement from the original inspection but needed more time to fully implement its priorities for improvement. Education Scotland requested an interim report on the school’s progress six months from the publication of the letter to parents (February 2022) followed by a thorough analysis of the school’s performance one year from the publication date.
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Following the interim report it was agreed that the report should provide updates solely in relation to two areas for improvement as evidence of sufficient improvement against the other four areas had been provided. 4.6 Following receipt of Argyll and Bute’s final progress report and an associated review meeting in March 2023, Education Scotland published a letter acknowledging the school has made progress since the original inspection and taken forward some important improvements. They concluded the school now needs time to evaluate these changes to ensure outcomes for young people are continuing to improve. As part of the on-going support provided, Education Scotland has asked Argyll and Bute Council to carry out a review of the school within 18 months. HMI will join the team. A further report will be published to outline progress being made by the school. A link to Education Scotland’s most recent letter can be found below: Campbeltown Grammar School progress report, Argyl and Bute 25/04/23 (education.gov.scot) 4.7 A summary of all external school inspection audit reports published by Education Scotland across Argyll and Bute Education Service establishments during the period January 2023 to May 2023 is provided in Appendix 1. 4.8 A summary of the inspection outcomes per establishment detailing strengths and areas for improvement is provided in Appendix 2. 5.0 DETAIL – National Thematic Inspections 5.1 In addition to visits to schools and settings, HMIE have also been carrying out national thematic inspections in the academic year 2022-2023. 5.2 The first focused on the implementation of the new approach to recording and monitoring incidents of bullying and how well this is supporting children and young people. Dunoon Grammar was selected to participate in this. The Headteacher received very positive oral feedback at the end of the visit in relation to the school’s positive ethos, their procedures and processes and, the leadership of the Senior Leadership Team and Guidance Team to direct and support this aspect of work. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF), was not available for the March Community Services Committee but can now be found below: Approaches to recording and monitoring incidents of bullying in schools (education.gov.scot)
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5.3 The recent phase of the national thematic inspection has focused on curriculum design. HMIE will visit a selection of around 50 settings and schools between 27th February and 23rd June 2023. This will enable them to publish their findings in the format of a national report in the autumn of 2023. The selection of settings and schools will include a geographical spread across Scotland and include Early Learning and Childcare, primary, secondary and special schools. 5.4 Oban High School participated in this national thematic on 7th - 8th March 2023. The Headteacher received very positive oral feedback at the end of the visit in relation to the school’s rationale which reflects the school vision and values and drives the whole curriculum, the leadership roles in all curricular aspects undertaken by young people who demonstrate compassion, empathy, inclusion and respect, the community focus of the curriculum which maintains a focus on the future whilst respecting the school’s heritage, the school’s determination to be inventive and creative in relation to the curriculum, and, the school’s Pathways programme which is firmly embedded in the curriculum and has served the needs and aspirations of hundreds of pupils over the years. Ulva Primary School was also involved in the national thematic focused on curriculum design. HM Inspectors visited the school on the 2nd and 3rd May. The headteacher received very positive oral feedback at the end of the visit in relation to; the school’s approaches to learning for sustainability and their many partnership links including with the local Forest Ranger, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Association for Marine Science; their work with their partner school, Lochdonhead Primary, and other island schools; the provision of personalisation and choice and strong skills based and pupil led learning through the Pebble Projects and World of Work; the school’s very clear and concise planning, evaluating and tracking and their excellent use of data; the headteacher’s proactive approach to gaining funding to support and enhance pupils’ experiences and remove barriers to learning; the school’s consultation with stakeholders; the way in which staff support transitions to and from the school and, the school’s knowledge of the children. Overall findings will be shared through a national report. The link to the published report will be accessible when it is available on Education Scotland’s website. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 In summary, three published report are available for the Inspections which took place during the period of January 2023 to May 2023. 6.2 The Education Service will continue to use the outcomes of establishment inspections to work collaboratively with our Headteachers to target support and challenge to secure improvement for our children and young people.
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7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy – The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 places a duty on Education Authorities to provide children and young people with school education and (in terms of raising standards) requires Authorities to endeavor to secure improvement in the quality of that school education. 7.2 Financial – None 7.3 Legal – None 7.4 HR – None 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: – None 7.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None 7.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None 7.5.3 Islands – None 7.6. Climate Change - None 7.7 Risk – Reputational risk to the Education Service following a weak report. 7.8 Customer Service – The outcome of establishment inspections of the Education Service of Argyll and Bute Council may significantly enhance or 4 detract from the Council’s reputation and attractiveness as an area to work and live in. Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Education Councillor Yvonne McNeilly - Policy Lead for Education Wendy Brownlie Head of Education: Performance and Improvement For further information please contact:- Victoria Quinn, Education Officer Telephone: 01631 567942 Email: Victoria.Quinn@argyll-bute.gov.uk. May 2023 Appendix 1 – Overview of Inspection Outcomes Appendix 2 – Establishment Detail of Inspection Outcomes
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Appendix 1 - Overview of Inspection Outcomes Quality Indicator Leadership of Change Learning, Teaching and Assessment Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality & Inclusion Raising Attainment & Achievement Establishment Sector Date of Inspection 1.3 2.3 3.1 3.2 Lochdonhead Primary School Primary January 2023 5 6 5 5 Islay High School Secondary January 2023 3 3 4 4 Kilmartin Primary School Primary January 2023 N/A 2 N/A 3 Kilmartin Primary School ELC January 2023 N/A 3 N/A 3 Strachur Primary School Primary March 2023 N/A Not yet published N/A Not yet published Strachur Primary School ELC March 2023 N/A Not yet published N/A Not yet published The Six-point Scale for Inspection Grading Excellent 6 Very Good 5 Good 4 Satisfactory 3 Weak 2 Unsatisfactory 1
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Appendix 2 - Establishment Detail of Inspection Outcomes Report Title: Lochdonhead Primary School Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. Compassionate, articulate, independent children who demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning. They are rightly proud of the positive difference they are making in their school and beyond. The highly effective leadership and direction of the headteacher and principal teacher. They maintain a continual focus on raising attainment, supporting wellbeing and championing children’s rights. Very high-quality teaching and learning provision, including innovative and creative approaches to the curriculum, play and outdoor learning. This is enriching all children’s learning, curiosity and skills development. Well-established, high-quality community and partnership working which has a significant positive impact on children’s outcomes and achievement. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. Continue to plan and develop ways to engage partners meaningfully in planning school improvement and in evaluating the work of the school. Continue to identify and take forward meaningful and well-considered priorities in the school improvement plan which positively impact on outcomes for children. Date of Inspection: January 2023 Return Visit: N/A Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Susie Carmichael - Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Simone McAdam – Education Manager
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Report Title: Islay High School Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. Senior leaders and staff work well together to develop a caring ethos where almost all young people feel valued and included. Members of the community support the school well. Young people receive a range of useful, individualised feedback particularly from S3 to S6. As a result, by the end of S6, young people attain well in National Qualifications. The student support staff team is highly effective in planning and reviewing young people’s learning and wellbeing needs. As a result, young people who require additional support feel included and achieve success in their learning. Young people are keen to learn and achieve through Gaelic in a range of situations. This is achieved within school, with the use of technology and through established partnerships in the community. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. All staff should develop a more consistent approach to checking the progress in school improvement. Senior leaders should monitor closely the pace of change and ensure that stakeholders work together more effectively to identify improvement priorities. This should lead to more meaningful, relevant, and ambitious priorities. These priorities should include a review of the S1 - S3 curriculum to ensure that young people experience their full entitlement. Teachers should develop further a clear and shared understanding of the key features of high-quality learning, teaching and assessment. Teachers should plan more stimulating learning activities which encourage curiosity and promote engagement, enthusiasm and confidence among young people. As planned, staff should develop an overall, whole-school approach to support the wellbeing of all young people. This should include all staff developing further their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting the wellbeing of all young people more effectively. Staff should also review the personal and social education programme so that all young people experience a relevant and progressive progamme which helps them develop personal resilience and confidence. Date of Inspection: January 2023 Return Visit: N/A Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Stephen Harrison - Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: – Simon Easton - Education Manager
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Report Title: Kilmartin Primary School Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. Children across the ELC and school who are friendly and keen to learn. The children come to school with a range of life experiences and interests. The supportive way that the headteacher, school staff, partners and the wider school community work together to enrich the curriculum through a variety of experiences. These are linked to the local context and children’s interests. The commitment of the headteacher and staff to improve further children’s learning experiences by engaging in appropriate professional learning. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. Review approaches to promoting and supporting positive relationships and behaviour across the school and ELC. This will improve children’s learning experiences and the ethos across the school. Teachers should improve the quality of learning, teaching and assessment to ensure all children make the best possible progress. Children to have more ownership of their learning and develop a wider range of skills for learning, life and work. Children should have increased opportunities to contribute to decision-making about issues that affect them and the wider life of the school. Continue to develop approaches to learning through play across the early level and beyond. Date of Inspection: January 2023 Return Visit: March 2024 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Namaste Bevan - Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: – Rosie MacKay - Education Manager