Re-inspection finds 'insufficient progress' at Drummond School amid 'too many class closures'

A special needs school in Inverness has made “insufficient progress” following a re-inspection, with pupils subjected to “too many class closures” amid staffing pressures.

Drummond School in Lochardil, which is run by the Highland Council, was previously criticised in a report in February after a visit by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE).

Now, in a letter to parents and carers on Tuesday, following a new inspection, HMIE warned: “The school has made insufficient progress since the original inspection.”

Among the issues raised was “too many instances of class closures” occurring due to insufficient staffing levels, with parents given short notice that their children need to stay home.

The school has now been urged to “eliminate” these by implementing better forward planning.

The letter read: “There are too many instances of class closures. These occur when senior leaders consider levels of staffing insufficient to meet learners’ needs or keep them safe, either due to absence or unfamiliarity between staff and learners.

“In these situations, families are informed the evening before and children and young people are expected to remain at home.

“This limits children and young people’s access to learning and leads to inequity. All children and young people who can attend full-time should receive their full entitlement to education, without unplanned class closures.

“Senior leaders, supported by the local authority, should minimise, and where possible eliminate, class closures through more robust contingency planning.”

‘Insufficient progress‘

Parents previously raised concerns with the education secretary about provision, safety and support at Drummond School.

There were also calls for more staff and an on-site nurse to be employed at the institution.

HMIE also highlighted insufficient progress in work to raise children and young people’s overall attainment, with “a lack of consistency in assessment approaches”.

However, the report acknowledged that school leaders and staff had “started making positive changes to improve the work of the school”.

They confirmed they will now work with the Highland Council to continue to improve the school.

The report added: “We will liaise with The Highland Council regarding the school’s capacity to improve (and) return to carry out a further inspection of the school within three months of the publication of this letter.

“We will discuss with The Highland Council the details of this inspection.

“When we return to inspect the school we will write to you as parents informing you of the progress the school has made.

“Overall, the school has made insufficient progress in this area.”