Most parents of pupils studying Gaelic in the Western Isles are happy with their allocation to courses for native speakers or learners but procedures will be tightened up. A survey by the council’s education department also covered primary headteachers and secondary Gaelic departments.
Catherine Dunn, assistant director of education, told councillors last week that no pupils in Gaelic-medium classes were described as “learners”.
The survey showed that when the 5-14 guidelines for Gaelic are fully implemented regular assessment and reporting of language skills will be needed.
Procedures for categorising pupils will now be set out for all schools. The transfer of information on primary 7 pupils as they move into secondary is of particular concern.