Aberdeen’s top education official has pledged to have the city’s schools “inspection ready” at all times – as work continues to make improvements and meet targets set by watchdogs.
Chief education officer Eleanor Sheppard claimed her department is aiming to have schools at a stage where “they could write the report” before an inspection.
Her reassurance given to members of the education committee as they voted to continue working to help schools meet the requirements made by inspectors.
Councillors were told there were still inconsistencies in learning, teaching and assessments in the city’s schools but a standardised method being worked on.
This framework, based on “most effective practice”, was already having an impact, they heard.
Ms Sheppard told the committee: “We would like to be at a stage where we are inspection-ready in our schools – where we could pretty much write the report before visitors arrive.
“We have key themes from inspection reports and head teachers are working with staff to improve the schools.”
The Town House discussion followed a number of recent reports on the city’s schools by authorities.
Hazlehead Academy was graded weak in raising pupil attainment and achievement by inspectors as was leadership and inclusion at Harlaw Academy.
Members heard how many trouble areas at Hazlehead had “already progressed” after a significant review – but the situation at Harlaw was not as far forward.
However Ross McLaren, only in his second week as headteacher at Harlaw, said he was enjoying the challenge of meeting the watchdog’s targets.
He promised a new plan, being drawn up with staff, would be “forthcoming”.
Education convener John Wheeler said: “While the reports highlighted a number of areas for development in some schools as well as positive outcomes in others, it was heartening to learn that great strides have been taken thanks to the early intervention and ongoing support of our education service led by Eleanor Sheppard and also the sheer hard work of the staff at each school.
“I am confident that the inspection teams will find improvements against each of the areas identified in keeping with our ambition of providing our children and young people the best starts in life, regardless of circumstances.”
Liberal Democrat education spokesman Martin Greig added: “Hazlehead and Harlaw Academies are popular schools with good reputations – our shared task is to keep on focusing on the interests of the young people.
“The evaluations are able to give a useful overview. They should always be used to push us further to work for the benefit of all pupils.”
