Young people in Argyll and Bute schools are having their say on Argyll and Bute Council’s proposals for a new ‘collective’ model for school leadership in the authority.
These proposals aim to empower the leadership of our schools to work more effectively together and share resources to enhance the education of all pupils. They have been developed with ongoing input from Argyll and Bute’s Head Teachers and education experts.
As the final and most significant part of ongoing public consultation on the proposals, young people from P4 age upwards in schools across Argyll and Bute are being consulted through their pupil councils.
Schools have been provided with materials to support their pupil council sessions, including video presentations tailored to three different age groups. All cover the same important factors as the materials already shared with local communities, but using age-appropriate language and levels of detail.
As is normal, pupil council sessions will be pupil-led with support from school staff, where required. The sessions will ask pupils to work through the key points of the proposals, then discuss the pros and cons together before agreeing a unified response on behalf of their school.
Argyll and Bute Council are working with teachers to ensure that young people with additional support needs are included in this process.
This consultation with pupils has already begun. It will ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard and considered as the change proposals are further developed and refined.
About the proposals
Schools in Argyll and Bute face falling pupil numbers and challenges in recruiting staff. Scotland-wide education reform is on the way and it is vital that local school leaders are ready and resourced appropriately.
Proposals for change have been developed with ongoing input from Argyll and Bute’s Head Teachers and education experts. Argyll and Bute Council have produced a website explaining the proposals at www.EmpoweringOurEducators.co.uk - It includes a short film talking the proposals through and provides detailed information for download. Importantly, it includes ways for everybody in Argyll and Bute to have their say and influence the proposals as they are developed further.
This public consultation process will be central to further shaping the Education Transformation Programme proposals before they are presented to the Education Change Committee.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said:
“The best outcomes for our young people are at the heart of all our work. We are a Council that listens to our communities and this proactive engagement programme is at the core of our decision-making.”