Learning community inspection
Continuing engagement
A report by HM Inspectors
Inspection of the learning community
surrounding Montrose Academy
Angus Council
17 June 2014
We published a report on the learning community surrounding Montrose Academy in
September 2010. That report set out key strengths of the learning community and areas
for improvement. We carried out a follow-through inspection in May 2012 and published
a report on that visit in June 2012.
This continuing engagement report is based on a further inspection visit which was
carried out in April 2014. It tells you about improvement since the original inspection in
the quality of learning opportunities provided. It also comments on how providers are
getting on with the main points for action. We describe how learners are doing and how
good the learning community is at helping them to learn. We comment on how well staff,
learners and groups work together and the difference they are making in the learning
community. Finally, we focus on how well the learning community is led and how
leaders help the learning community achieve its aims.
If you would like to learn more about our original inspection of the learning community,
please visit:
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/reports/othersectors/index.asp
You will also find a report on the secondary school.
Contents
1.
The learning community
1
2.
Particular strengths of the learning community
1
3.
How well do participants learn and achieve?
1
4.
How well are communities developing and achieving?
2
5.
How effective are providers in improving the quality of services?
2
6.
Does the learning community have a clear sense of direction?
2
7.
What happens next?
3
1. The learning community
Following a council restructure, Angus Council’s community learning and
development (CLD) service was also recently re-organised. Core functions are
now within the Communities Directorate. There is an increased focus on planning
and place. A very recently appointed Communities Manager for the Montrose
Academy Learning Community took up post in April 2014. A large number of
other staff are also recently in post. This follows a period of significant change for
CLD.
2. Particular strengths of the learning community



Wide range of provision for older adults.
Community organisations and groups which are contributing to improved
service delivery.
Optimistic staff who are committed to making the locality plan work for the
benefit of local people.
3. How well do participants learn and achieve?
Increasing numbers of young people, adults and families are now learning better
and achieving more. They are attaining more awards and overall levels of
accreditation are increasing. We have asked Montrose Academy and the CLD
service to work together to develop this even further. An effective Strengthening
Families Programme delivered in partnership with Barnardo’s supports families
affected by parental substance misuse. Older adults are less isolated through
active participation in a wide range of community groups.
Young people
Young people continue to benefit from the wide range of sporting, musical and
creative opportunities. Many achieve success in these activities. Young people
have reached the Scottish final of the Rock Challenge for dance and drama. This
involves a large number of young people from Montrose Academy both in front of
and behind the stage. While some young people gain a sense of audience
through performing, others gain important skills of teamwork, organisation and
timekeeping. All S1 pupils are now registered for Dynamic Youth Awards. The
majority of young people successfully attain this award. The school now plans to
work in partnership with the local CLD service to ensure appropriate skills
progression through the introduction of Youth Achievement Awards.
1
Adults
The number of adult learners securing accreditation for digital skills, literacy or
related to employability is increasing. Adults enjoy the safe and inclusive
environment of the Job Club in which they are learning effectively. Almost all
learners continue to engage and receive support, while a minority successfully
progress to employment, volunteering or college. There is scope to develop the
provision for digital skills further as demand increases due to Welfare Reform.
The use of alternative venues, including the library, could usefully be explored.
Older adults’ wellbeing benefits from a range of provision which helps reduce their
social isolation and maintain a more active lifestyle.
4. How well are communities developing and achieving?
Local groups continue to provide important services for their communities.
Volunteers manage local facilities, such as Barrowfield and Craigo Community
Centres well. Local organisations including Montrose Together and Montrose
Community Council are working effectively with public services to address local
issues such as road potholes. Community organisations have recognised the
need to involve young people more in local decision making.
5. How effective are providers in improving the quality of services?
The local Children’s and Learning Partnership is working better with partners to
identify key shared priority areas for action. Literacy for learning at all ages is now
an identified area for improvement. Across the learning community, there is now
a greater focus on achieving agreed shared outcomes. Partners are at different
stages of implementing these. CLD staff enjoy good opportunities for professional
development including e-learning which is provided by the council. The service
recognises that opportunities for shared professional learning across the
partnership are not yet in place, this would be a helpful next step.
6. Does the learning community have a clear sense of direction?
The learning community is developing a clearer sense of direction. Following the
council restructure a strong start is being made to new ways of working together
and with partners. Staff and partners are enthusiastic about this. They like the
clearer vision and effective leadership. Planning processes are beginning to
align.
2
7. What happens next?
Montrose Academy Learning Community is improving. While much remains to be
done we are confident that with a period of stability in leadership and staffing that
can be achieved. Our Area Lead Officer along with Angus Council will discuss the
most appropriate support in order to build capacity for improvement and will
maintain contact to monitor progress. We will make no further visits in connection
with the inspection report of September 2010.
Elizabeth LM Morrison
HM Inspector
17 June 2014
3
Additional inspection evidence, such as details of the quality indicator evaluations,
for this learning community can be found on the Education Scotland website at
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/reports/othersectors/co
mmunitylearninganddevelopment/MontroseAcademylc.asp .
If you would like to receive this report in a different format, for example, in a
translation you can contact the administration team on 01506 600381.
If you want to give us feedback or make a complaint about our work, please
contact us by telephone on 0141 282 5000, or e-mail:
complaints@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to us, addressing your letter to
The Complaints Manager, Denholm House, Almondvale Business Park,
Livingston, EH54 6GA.
Text phone users can contact us on 01506 600 236. This is a service for deaf
users. Please do not use this number for voice calls as the line will not connect
you to a member of staff.
Crown Copyright 2014.
Education Scotland