Council / Praise for school and nursery reports – but disappointment one inspection was virtual
COUNCILLORS praised a number of positive inspections of schools and nurseries – but the fact that one was undertaken virtually drew criticism.
Shetland Central councillor Catherine Hughson told a meeting of the SIC’s education and families committee on Monday she felt inspections taking place virtually does a disservice to staff and children.
A virtual inspection took place of the Fair Isle Primary School nursery on two days in November.
Although the outcomes were very positive – three ‘very good’ ratings – Hughson said she wanted her criticism of virtual inspections to be fed back to the Care Inspectorate.
She said she does not feel someone can get a “feel” for a school without visiting it in person.
Committee chair Davie Sandison agreed, saying he does not feel they are appropriate and warned against them becoming the “norm”.
Last year Hughson also expressed disappointment that inspectors did not come to the Foula nursery in person.
At Monday’s meeting there were a number of positive inspection reports put in front of councillors.
The Fair Isle pre-school was graded as ‘very good’ in the categories leadership, children play and learn and children are supported to achieve.
The Happyhansel Primary School nursery in Walls was inspected on 17 September.
It received four ‘good’ grades in categories relating to care, play and learning, setting, leadership and staff team.
The Sandwick Junior High School nursery received a follow-up inspection in November.
Inspectors confirmed that the requirement imposed during a previous inspection was met.
The evaluation for the quality indicator ‘nurturing care and support’ was increased from weak to adequate/satisfactory.
Quality improvement officer Chloe Kerr said a “comprehensive” action plan is in place and is regularly updated.
However it was noted that more time is needed for areas of improvement to be embedded in practice.
Councillors were also told about a positive follow-up inspection report on Brae High School, which was first published in December.
It came after an initial inspection in November 2024, which found a number of areas for improvement.
A report to elected members said Education Scotland has concluded that the school has made “appropriate progress in all key areas, and inspectors are confident in the school’s capacity to continue improving”.
Shetland North councillor Andrew Hall praised the “immense amount of work” that has gone into the improvements, but expressed concern that there could be uncertainty given Brae High School is currently recruiting for a new headteacher.
Children’s services director Samantha Flaws said with any headteacher changeover there will be uncertainty, but the SIC continues to liaise with the Brae parent council during the process.
But Flaws said the depute headteacher has agreed to take on the acting headteacher role, which “provides a degree of consistency”.
Regarding the virtual inspection, the Care Inspectorate said it did not wish to add anything beyond what was included in the inspection report.
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