A recent inspection at Merchiston Castle School in Colinton has confirmed that improvements already identified by the school now need urgent attention according to the report issued today by Education Scotland.
In October 2014 Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate carried out a short notice care and welfare inspection at the school.
Inspectors looked at the quality of provision including the arrangements for care, welfare and safeguarding children and young people; how well their needs are met; how well the school improves its work and the effectiveness and impact of leadership and governance of the school.
Whilst the Governors and the Headmaster have a clear vision for Merchiston Castle School, upholding its strong history and many traditions, the school itself has identified the need to put in place a number of improvements to strengthen the school’s approaches to safeguarding.
Inspectors agreed with the Governors and the School Leadership Team that, as a matter of urgency, they now need to implement a clear strategy focused on prevention, supported by robust quality assurance and monitoring systems including:
• clarifying and strengthening the roles and responsibilities of key staff involved in safeguarding pupils;
• improving procedures relating to staff recruitment, training and disciplinary matters, building on best practice in relation to equalities and safeguarding legislation;
• reviewing the personal, social and health education programme so that all pupils develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of equalities and how to keep themselves safe;
• communicating how the views of stakeholders, importantly pupils and parents are taken into account in shaping school improvement; and
• strengthening leadership at all levels in improving safeguarding practices.
Education Scotland say in their report: “As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school needs additional support to make the necessary urgent improvements. Our Link Inspector will work with the Board of Governors to build capacity for improvement, and will maintain contact to monitor progress. We will return to follow up on our findings and carry out further inspection activity within six months. We will then issue another letter to parents on the extent to which the school has improved.”
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