Rural Education has been a hot topic for a while, and since plans to close nine rural primary schools in Argyll and Bute were paused earlier this year due to a request from ministers, the government has been taking action.
Education Secretary Mike Russell asked for the freeze while legislation on closures is looked at again.
The new Commission on Rural Education consists of local authority representatives, parents, head teachers and experts. Emily Shaw MSYP was invited to be part of the commission.
Emily said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to represent the Scottish Youth Parliament on the Commission on Rural Education. It is a huge honour for both myself and the SYP. It’s fantastic to see the views of young people, who are affected by the provision of rural education, being considered and I look forward to the months ahead.”
The Commission, chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland from Tain, is tasked with examining both how the delivery of rural education can maximise the attainment and life chances of young people in rural areas, and the link between rural education and rural communities.
The Commission will also review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application and make recommendations on the delivery of all aspects of education in rural areas.
The Commission’s remit is:
- To review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application
- To examine how the delivery of rural education can maximise attainment and outcomes to give pupils the best life chances, and to examine, where appropriate, how this can be applied more widely
- To make recommendations on how to reflect best practice on the delivery of all aspects education in rural areas (pre-school through to Higher and Further Education)
- To examine the links between rural education and the preservation, support and development of rural communities and to make recommendations on how these links might be strengthened if necessary
- To examine and make recommendations on funding issues surrounding rural education
What have SYP said about this?
The SYP held an interactive session at our National Sitting in September 2008 to coincide with the Scottish Government’s ‘Safeguarding our rural schools and improving school consultation procedures’ consultation. Scottish Youth Parliament Consultation Response
Based on the views of our membership, the Scottish Youth Parliament supports the Bill’s proposals pertaining to:
- The Educational Benefits Statement
- The School Closures Handling Plan, including the special considerations for schools in remote rural areas
- The expansion of the list of required consultees, particularly the addition of school pupils to the list
The SYP urges the Parliament to consider:
- Requiring national guidelines to be produced relating to the suitability of school pupils to be consulted based on age and maturity grounds
- All residents from the school catchment area to be involved in the consultation, particularly in remote rural areas
The SYP does not support:
- The creation of a rural schools subsidy fund
So, what happens now? Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “It is very helpful that those who deliver education are fully engaged along with communities and parents to make sure we are getting it absolutely right for school pupils in rural areas.
“The group will report back next spring with a number of recommendations on the way forward for the delivery of education in rural areas.”
COSLA President Councillor Pat Watters said: “The task in front of the Commission is not an easy one, but I feel sure that with the expertise round the table it will produce a thoughtful report. Along with the Cabinet Secretary I look forward to seeing the recommendations next year.”
Interesting links:
http://www.engageforeducation.org/2011/07/commission-on-rural-education-finalised/
