This week has seen the beginning of invitations to school festive activities. So far I have accepted a nativity, a panto and a party tea. I am keen to get out to schools and this time of year is an exciting time to visit and share time with staff and pupils.
This has been a busy week visiting mainly in the east of the authority. On Tuesday I attended a meeting with some of the senior management team at Hermitage Academy. Whenever I visit Hermitage Academy I am always struck by the calm environment. The young people are welcoming and very much involved in the life of the school. I also met with the Cowal and Bute HT on Tuesday at Dunoon Grammar and we had an opportunity to discuss various issues. One of the areas under discussion was how to embrace the positive aspects of social media but also be aware how it can be misused and cause problems for staff and pupils. I completed a very busy Tuesday with a special viewing at Innellan Primary of the art exhibition put on by Toward and Innellan Primary Schools. There was some stunning art work that the children produced and I managed to secure a very special piece to add to my collection in my office.
On Wednesday I attended the LNCT and had a very good meeting discussing workload issues with both unions and the policy lead. I also met with HR to discuss some staffing issues and try to ensure we are working at retaining quality staff and securing posts.
On Thursday I was off down to Helensburgh again and met with HALCO Head Teachers at Hermitage Academy again interesting issues were raised and the subject of staffing our schools was explored. Staffing is a great problem nationally and we are no different in Argyll and Bute. We tried to look at how we might attract new entrants and ways of promoting teaching. I would be very keen to hear from anyone who has some innovative ideas. I also met with an elected member to discuss some issues related to our service. I value the opportunity for these face to face meetings as emails being pinged backwards and forwards often add more complexity than is necessary.
I also spent time in the Civic Centre in Helensburgh on Thursday meeting with David Bain, Education Manager to discuss ASN plans and future developments. David has been involved in reviewing a lot of the practice around ASN and how we better meet the needs of all our young people. A new document in relation to managing challenging behavior has been released and is available in the Education Sharepoint Guidance Folder.
https://sharepoint.argyll-bute.gov.uk/education/edu-share/Guidance%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Another area of work this week has been the plans on moving forward with “Our Children, Their Future”. The Education Management Team have been looking at a plan for moving forward with the new strategy in 2017. Further details will follow before Christmas
There are currently 4 consultations taking place from Scottish Government and I would encourage you to have a look at these and if you can provide some feedback.
- Empowering Teachers, Parents and Communities (closes 6th January)
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/empowering-schools/a-governance-review
- Expansion of Early Learning & Childcare (closes 9th January)
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/creating-positive-futures/expansion-of-early-learning-and-childcare
- New National Health and Social Care Standards (closes 22nd January)
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/care-and-support/national-care-standards
- A STEM Education and Training Strategy for Scotland (closes 31st January)
https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/stem/a-stem-education-and-training-strategy
I am currently working on the Governance Review consultation and would welcome any feedback or views which you think I should include.
On Friday I had an annual leave day and was delighted to have visitors myself. It is important for us all to spend time with family and friends. There was much laughter, good food and fun had by all in our home over the week end.
