Education & Learning service plan 2023/24

The approved plan sets out the Education service’s improvement priorities for the year, including how this contributes to delivery of the Council’s wider Corporate Plan 2022-27.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “It is essential that we continually review and agree an Education service plan to monitor and improve the service’s performance. This is an active document which allows us to take into consideration any amendments to the Council’s Corporate Plan, and also any wider developments on a national level which may have an impact on Education in Scotland. The Council’s priorities for this year work towards making sure that our children and young people in Highland are supported, both in their Education and wellbeing, so they are given the best possible start.”

The service vision includes the following priorities:

• Entitlement, Excellence & Equity – to raise attainment and achievement for all, especially for children and young people from disadvantaged circumstances, including rural deprivation.
• Empowerment & Leadership - develop leadership skills at all levels of the system, for now and the future, building a culture of empowerment and professional capital.
• Opportunity - maximise opportunities for our children and young people, and for the wider Highland community and its visitors, through the provision of high-quality services.
• Relationships - maximise health and wellbeing for all children and young people, to give them the best possible start in life. We will ensure every child and young person feels part of the community they live in.

Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning, Nicky Grant said: “We want the best for all children and young people in the Highlands. Our driving ambition is to deliver the best outcomes for all our children, young people and their families. Our aim is to be the best, forward-thinking educators, championing innovation in education. We want all our children and young people to thrive and strive, learn and develop to become leaders of the future, within their own communities and beyond. We have the same expectations for every child and young person to make excellent progress in their learning; to achieve well; to have the same opportunities and an entitlement to a secure economic future. Every child deserves a happy, safe and nurturing childhood, where they can flourish and prosper, to develop healthy relationships and strong connections.”