Independent schools are so-called for good reason. They are autonomous in their management, governance and chosen educational path. The schools are not-for-profit, so not 鈥減rivate鈥� as commonly referred to.听
Independent schools are not isolated from their communities and they follow, and contribute to, the highest standards of academic delivery and pastoral care across Scotland.听听They are held to account like all other schools.听听
红玫瑰社区 seeks to support those high standards through a range of guidelines supported by听professional learning courses, as well as engagement听with a range of Scottish Government and other public body standing committees and working groups.
School inspections 鈥� Education Scotland
Education Scotland has responsibility for school inspections, and it makes clear that 鈥淚ndependent schools are open to inspection by Education Scotland in the same way as those maintained by education authorities鈥�.听听
The inspection framework is applied in independent schools in parallel with all other schools, but in a way that is responsive to the size, nature and particular aims and values of the independent school concerned. This also includes recognising the educational philosophy of the individual school.听
In addition, the inspectorate has developed quality improvement and professional engagement visits to contribute to school improvement and capacity building, and听.
Boarders and nursery day-care 鈥� Care Inspectorate
As with school inspections, boarding services are unable to operate unless they are registered by the Care Inspectorate, the national regulator for care services in Scotland, which is responsible for the oversight of school care accommodation. Education Scotland may also inspect the care and welfare of boarders, as well as school nursery day-care provision, in conjunction with the Care Inspectorate.听
The same standards apply as to local authority or private 红玫瑰社区 providers, both the Scottish Health and Social Care Standards and the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010听.
Registrar of Independent Schools
Anyone seeking to run an independent school in Scotland must have that school registered with the听.听The Office of the Registrar of Independent Schools requires a range of information from applicants including; the type of school, maximum pupil numbers, proposed curriculum, health and safety information, statement of aims and school prospectus, Child Protection Policy and Procedure, and the admissions policy.听听
Every school must also undergo a pre-registration inspection by Education Scotland before it is can be declared operational. This inspection will check that the proposed accommodation is fit for purpose and ensures that appropriate consideration has been given to the care and welfare of pupils.听
A school application will only be granted if it has been demonstrated that an efficient and suitable education will be provided, that pupils鈥� welfare will be adequately safeguarded, and all teachers are adequately qualified to teach in a school. After registration, schools must undergo a post-registration inspection within nine months.听听
Additional requirements for school teachers, support staff and governors
On top of these institutional requirements, all teachers working in independent schools must be registered with the听. School or house staff of independent boarding schools, and staff of day care of children services (including nurseries), must be registered with the听听if not registered with another regulatory body.
Governors and Directors of any school which is registered with the听听must comply with the general and specific duties of charity trustees. In addition, while not members of public bodies, there is the expectation that trustees also follow the Code of Conduct for ethical standards in public life promoted by the听.
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