Consultation commences
- Consultation has begun on the Children and Young People Bill. Children’s minister Aileen Campbell said the proposed legislation would help make childcare suit families’ needs and establish the “Getting it right for every child” approach in a “single system of planning and delivery across children’s services”. The legislation would require public bodies to come up with policies and services that prioritise young people’s well- being.
Cosla appoints new leaders
- Douglas Chapman is the new education spokesman for local authorities body Cosla, having chaired Fife Council’s education and children’s services committee for a number of years. North Ayrshire councillor David O’Neill has been elected president. Michael Cook, a Scottish Borders councillor, becomes vice-president.
Positive outlook for graduates
- Figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that graduates from Scotland’s universities have the highest level of “positive destinations”, the highest starting salaries and the lowest levels of unemployment. The statistics, taken six months after graduation in 2010- 11, show that 90 per cent of graduates from Scotland’s universities are in work or further study, compared with 87 per cent from English universities. The mean starting salary for graduates in Scotland is pound;21,500, compared with pound;21,000 across the UK.
Council progress looks promising
- Western Isles Council has made “encouraging progress” after its educational psychology services were criticised. An initial HMIE report published in 2009 identified four main points for action. Interim reports in 2010 and 2011 reported “mixed progress”. But inspectors have praised “very strong partnership working” and “very helpful communication passports” for people with autism spectrum disorders. Although staffing issues have still to be resolved, “important improvements” are allowing families to access educational psychologists at critical times.
FE college scoops AoC award
- Edinburgh’s Telford College has become the first Scottish FE college to receive the international charter from the Association of Colleges (AoC). The award is for its “student-centred” handling of international recruitment. It was also praised for its inclusive approach.
