Schools Consultation Scotland Bill – Evidence from The Association of Directors of Education in Scotland
Thank you for the invitation to submit evidence on the principles of the above Bill. We hope that the following ADES (Association of Directors of Education in Scotland) comments are helpful to your deliberations.
1. It is worth noting that government officials consulted closely with ADES representatives in liaison with COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) officers in the development of the Bill. Many of the points raised in that process are reflected in the Bill.
2. It is unfortunate that the launch of the Bill gave the impression that its main focus was the protection of rural schools. This detracted from the implications of the Bill for all schools consultation procedures; and potentially makes council decisions on closures in the drive to secure more efficient and effective schools estates provision, more difficult.
3. ADES maintains its position that decisions on school provision should be taken locally by local authorities within the parameters of national guidelines and that government interventions in individual decisions is not necessary. However, it is acknowledged that views on this issue are polarised. In that context, ADES accepts the approach taken in the Bill that government involvement be restricted to closure decisions on a ‘call-in’ basis only.
4. ADES supports the operational procedures for the management of consultations proposed in the Bill. In general, they reflect best practice already established in many councils.
5. However, it is worth noting some specific points relating to the consultation procedures. Firstly, the requirements will substantially extend the period between the initial proposal and decision implementation. Good forward planning of changes to school provision will be required and it will be helpful if any call-ins are decided promptly. Secondly, clarification of the purpose of HMIE involvement would be helpful, particularly if there are differences in the position adopted by HMIE and local educational officials on a proposal. Thirdly, the specific criteria to be applied in making a call-in decision on a closure proposal have not yet been clarified.
6. In relation to the existing referral system for proposed changes to denominational provision the ADES position is that it is no longer required. However, the Bill does not change the existing arrangements. In addition, it is worth noting the differential consultation requirements between denominational and non-denominational school communities in relation to the removal of transport and a change to the denominational status of a school. Murdo MacIver North Lanarkshire Council Association of Directors of Education in Scotland
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