URL: https://aberdeenshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1914

Decision Maker: Buchan Area Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Committee is asked to acknowledge and consider progress made during April to September 2024 toward achieving the Council Plan Priorities 2024-2029 referred to in Appendix 1; and instruct the Director of Education & Children’s Services to continue to present performance reports to the Area Committee on a six-monthly basis, in line with the Performance Management Framework, evidencing progress and performance with delivery of the Council Plan with an Area perspective.

Content: A report by the Director of Education & Children’s Services had been circulated advising that the purpose of this report was to provide an update to Committee on how the Education & Children’s Services (ECS) Directorate is actively contributing to the Council’s overarching strategic priorities outlined within the Aberdeenshire Council Plan 2024-2029 strategic performance framework.   The Committee agreed:-   (1)      having recently met the Head Teacher and Management Team at Mintlaw Academy and having found the meeting very beneficial, to request the same arrangement with Peterhead Academy next year,   (2)      to note their concern in that the S4 figures at Level 5 have reduced by 5.9% and to welcome that the reasons for this will be explored further early in the New Year,   (3)      having noted that approximately one-third of the Buchan S4 cohort leaves at the end of their 4th year and that the statistics and data presented are lifted from the S4 cohort, to note with concern that the results in Buchan’s figures are therefore being slightly skewed; and to welcome the advice that the ongoing Hayward Review, currently being undertaken by the Scottish Government, includes looking at alternative ways of measuring success,   (4)      to request that the Director liaises with the Head of Life Long Aberdeenshire to consider if there is a means of attracting more volunteers throughout the year as a whole and not restricted to the summer months only in conjunction with Active Schools,   (5)      in having recognised the benefits of offering Foundation Apprenticeships, to highlight there is a need to ensure that Schools are continuing to invest in their Technical Departments and to note that there is a concern in relation to a lack of Technical Teachers, and   (6)      to welcome the Audit Scotland report due in the New Year by way of providing a benchmark for additional support for those with learning difficulties

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024