Inspectors praise “highly effective practice” within Orkney CLD Partnership

"Highly effective practice” within the Orkney Community Learning and Development Partnership has been found by HM Inspectors during a recent progress visit. 

Inspectors say as a result of significant and positive progress made they will be taking no further action in relation to this visit. 

The full findings can be found on the Education Scotland website at https://education.gov.scot from 23 April 2024. 

During the visit, the Inspectors spoke with learners and community representatives, CLD leaders, managers, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders. 

They evaluated the effectiveness of the CLD partnerships’ approach to self-evaluation and planning for improvement – and considered progress made against identified proprieties in the CLD plan, available here: https://shorturl.at/tCLR3 

Inspectors noted the CLDE Annual Report 2022-23 shows strong performance in most areas. 

The report stated: “CLDE staff and partners actively promote youth awards to accredit young people’s learning. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the number of young people gaining Dynamic Youth awards in the past two years. Close partnership working between Police Scotland, the Pickaquoy Centre, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Action for Children, CLDE and the Youth Café is leading to better engagement with a wider range of young people.” 

In terms of the Orkney CLD Partnership, a number of areas of positive progress was found, particularly amongst the leadership and governance of CLD, planning for improvement, the support given to staff, partners, volunteers and the breaking down of barriers for all learners – which together was leading to improved outcomes for all involved. 

The report stated: “Across Orkney, the leadership and governance of CLD is strong and effective. It is supported by regular monitoring of progress and high-quality reporting. Senior leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to CLD. 

“Most CLD practitioners and partners have a strong understanding of CLD priorities and can articulate where this contributes to the Orkney Community Plan 2023-30. CLD partners, represented on the CLD Partnership, demonstrate robust governance and oversight of the CLD plan and have shared ownership of the improvement priorities. 

“They work collaboratively to reduce duplication, secure improvement and provide inclusive opportunities to meet local need. There are a few positive examples of learner and community voices influencing CLD and associated plans. These include the Jedi Council, Youth Forum and Orkney Matters.” 

Council staff, partners and volunteers are very well supported with professional learning opportunities at all levels, and this is increasing their ability to respond and adapt well to meet local needs, according to the report. 

Inspectors found that there has been a significant increase in the number of young people and adults engaged in CLD activity since 2020-21 and that inclusive opportunities were helping to reduce barriers to participation and disadvantages. 

The report stated: “Across the wide range of CLD activity, learners are gaining confidence, knowledge and developing key skills which are helping to improve life chances. Strong partnerships with schools are contributing to positive outcomes for young people. Local employability partners work effectively to support learners to transition between well-developed pathways to best suit their learning needs and respond to labour market demands.” 

Staff were also found to seek feedback from learners to help shape future delivery appropriately. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Inspectors noted that senior leaders demonstrated a clear understanding of the role and function of CLD and where this aligns with strategic priorities. We all recognise the value of CLD in terms of leading to improved outcomes for learners and communities and that has shone through in this inspection report. 

“The role and recognition of CLD in Orkney has been strengthened in recent years and everyone’s hard work has been recognised within this very encouraging inspection report. 

“Getting it right for all learners – no matter their stage in life – is not only an entitlement, but of such benefit to the wider community. I am delighted to read of the significant progress made in this latest inspection report.”