Council / Council launches review into support for learning across isles
A MAJOR review is being undertaken by Shetland Islands Council (SIC) into support for learning across the isles’ entire school network.
The children’s services department is reviewing how children and young people across Shetland receive support for their learning, and how the SIC can make this more effective.
The SIC has said that there are more young people with recorded support for learning needs than ever before across both Shetland and Scotland.
Support for learning refers to the range of practices, staffing and resources provided across early learning and childcare settings and schools.
This is to ensure that all children and young people can access the curriculum, participate fully in school life, and achieve positive outcomes.
It includes universal classroom practice, targeted interventions, specialist resources and staff (e.g. ASN teachers, learning support workers) as well as partnership input (e.g., psychological services, health, social work).
The SIC said the review was an “important step in our commitment to continually improving the standard of provision for children and young people in Shetland”.
A consultation was launched on Monday and will run until Sunday 21 June, with an online survey now available and drop-in sessions to be held throughout the isles.
The review is expected to conclude in September 2027.
The council is seeking the views of parents and carers of young people with any experience of support for learning, including those whose children currently attend, or who have recently attended, schools in Shetland.
In an online FAQ section, the SIC said the review “is not about school closures” and added that all feedback would be treated confidentially.
It added that two part-time project managers had been employed to oversee the review, and said that the review itself “does not have significant additional costs” to the SIC.
“However, recommendations arising from the review may have future budget implications,” it said.
“Any proposals requiring additional funding would be considered through the council’s decisionmaking and budget processes.”
Parents and carers of children who have left school are also invited to complete the survey.
Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said it was “extremely important” that the SIC was “providing the right level and type of support to parents, carers and children”.
“This includes any specialist provision which might be required, in terms of staff and resources.
“The information we gather will be critical in helping to shape that support in the future. “I’d encourage anyone with current, or past, experience which they’d like to share with us to get in touch.”
Informal drop-in sessions are set to be held throughout Shetland, starting from this weekend. A full list of sessions is available below:
- Unst Leisure Centre – Saturday 16 May, 11am–12.30pm
- Yell Leisure Centre – Saturday 16, 3–4.30pm
- Aith Community Hall – Monday 18, 6-7.30pm
- Cunningsburgh Village Club – Sunday 24, 2-4pm
- Brae Public Hall – Tuesday 26, 6-7.30pm
- Lerwick, Room 12, Islesburgh Community Centre – Thursday 28, 6-8pm
- Sandveien Neighbourhood Centre – Saturday 30, 11am–1.00pm
- Dunrossness, Boddam Public Hall – Monday 1 June, 6-7.30pm
- Mossbank Community Hall – Wednesday 3, 6-7.30pm
- Urafirth Primary School – Thursday 4, 5.30–7.00pm
- Whalsay, Livister Youth Centre – Tuesday 9, 6-7.30pm
- Online Microsoft Teams session for Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries (invitation only) – Tuesday 2 June, 6–7.30pm
People looking to attend the online session is aske to get in touch by emailing supportforlearningreview@shetland.gov.uk or calling 01595 744922.
An online survey for parents and carers is available here.
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