A COUNCILLOR has claimed Renfrewshire Council chiefs – and not the teachers – are to blame for a Linwood school’s poor inspection report, writes Jack Thomson.
Education Scotland identified several weaknesses at Riverbrae School and Nursery earlier this year, prompting local authority bosses to step in and offer support.
Inspectors had found both the primary and nursery to be weak in their leadership of change.
READ MORE: Education chiefs step in to support Riverbrae School and Nursery after negative report
The primary struggled in raising attainment and achievement, while the nursery needs to address learning, teaching and assessment.
But Councillor Jim Sheridan, who represents Linwood, said the blame lay solely at the foot of the council.
He said: “Following the recent negative report by Education Scotland into Riverbrae school in Linwood, I and fellow colleagues attended the initial presentation by the head teacher into what has been learned and what remedies are proposed to rectify the criticisms.
“This meeting was well attended by concerned parents who raised a number of issues.
“While the staff have acted swiftly in reviewing their work practices and procedures it is clear they are limited with the resources available.
“It was emphasised by those attending that the school staff work within their means and any criticism should be targeted at the local authority.
“There is a distinct lack of support workers and teachers are getting taken away from frontline duties to concentrate on admin stuff.
“The parents want to meet the director and convener of education.
“Riverbrae is an excellent facility which educates and supports pupils with complex disabilities and their parents.
“Myself and fellow councillors assured the parents their voices will be heard at council headquarters and the issues raised within the report and aired at the parents’ meeting will be vigorously pursued.”
Steven Quinn, director of Children’s Services, has previously confirmed an action plan has been introduced at the additional support needs school.
He has since said: “We recognise the importance of getting it right for every child and meeting the needs of all our children and young people with additional support needs.
“Inspection reports provide us with important insight and this report on progress at Riverbrae highlights the positive relationships between pupils and staff which helps them feel safe, valued and included and the partnership working which is supporting the children and young people’s achievements.
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“The report, which was discussed with councillors at the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, also highlights areas for improvement that the school is firmly focused on addressing and is now implementing a detailed action plan, supported by the central education team.
“Both the education convener and I would be happy to meet with parents and I would ask that parents make this request by contacting the council.”
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