Kinross-shire complex needs school told to make improvements following Education Scotland inspection

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Chief operators of an independent complex and additional support needs school in Kinross-shire have been told to make a series of improvements following an inspection by an education watchdog.Seamab is a charity that provides residential care and education for children and young people between the age of 5-18 from across Scotland.In June 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Seamab School at Rumbling Bridge and talked to parents, carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.Inspectors came to the conclusion that the school needs “additional support” and more time to make “necessary improvements”.They rated the institution ‘Weak’ in both categories assessed: Learning, teaching and assessment; and Raising attainment and achievement.‘Weak’ is the second lowest rating in Education Scotland’s six-point scale grading system behind ‘Unsatisfactory’, with ‘Excellent’, ‘Very good’, ‘Good’ and ‘Satisfactory’ the other benchmarks.Inspectors did note in their findings that staff have established a “caring school culture” with children and young people being “valued” and enjoying going to school.The letter added: “Children and young people participate well in outdoor activities where they learn new skills, develop their confidence and useful ways to approach challenges.”However, a number of areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the Seamab chief executive, the headteacher and representatives from the board of trustees.An extract from the published letter to the school read: “Staff need to ensure that all children and young people receive their full entitlement to a broad general education, in line with national guidance.“Staff need to improve the quality of learning and