Have Your Say on Education & Childrens' Services in Aberdeenshire

A plan setting out the future direction of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services over the next three years is now open for public comment.

The plan sets out the council’s priorities on the delivery of a wide range of services including schools, nurseries, cultural services, family centres, leisure facilities and community learning.

The council is asking for feedback on seven priority areas that have been identified to help shape the wider aims of the service, including:

• improving learning and teaching and the quality of the curriculum in our schools, early years and other learning establishments
• taking an evidence-based approach to raise levels of attainment and close the gap which sees children and young people living in relative deprivation less likely to achieve their full potential
• transforming our services to give every child the best possible start in life by effectively supporting them and their families and providing targeted intervention where necessary
• making sure our buildings create an inclusive and positive environment for learning, working and engagement
• supporting our communities to become healthy and vibrant by promoting and delivering healthy activities and reduce health inequalities
• developing effective partnership working so children and families receive the support they need, when they need it, and as far as possible, within their local communities
• investing in the learning and development of our staff to build a highly-skilled workforce and improve leadership at every level

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Cllr Alison Evison, said:

“Education and Children’s Services are relevant to everyone in Aberdeenshire who uses the schools, libraries or sports and leisure facilities.

“We’ve had some tremendous achievements over the past few years and we are looking to build on those.

“That’s why we want to hear from the people living and working here, so we can take their views into account as we look to the future.”

Vice-chair of the committee, Cllr Charles Buchan, said:

“This plan will give the service a strategic focus for the next few years and will allow us to strengthen connections with local communities.

“The consultation is open to everyone and this is their opportunity to tell us which direction they would like Education & Children’s Services to take over the next three years.”

To comment on the Education and Children’s Services Plan 2016-2019 please visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ECS_SP_2016

The consultation will run until Sunday, August 28 and printed copies are available from: Sarah Godfrey, Education and Children’s Services, Woodhill House, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB.