Donaldson's school for deaf children ordered to make urgent improvements

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-30107303

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The national school for deaf children is in crisis after government ministers called for urgent improvements.

An unannounced inspection took place after allegations were made against a senior member of staff at Donaldson's School in Linlithgow.

Ministers have warned the school it has seven days to come up with a plan for improvements.

The nature of the allegations have not been revealed but Police Scotland is assessing them.

Donaldson's is a grant-aided special school (GASS) supported by the Scottish government.

Local authorities from all over Scotland and the north of England refer pupils there and fund their placements.

The notice calling for an improvement plan within a week is the first of its kind to be issued for 15 years.

'Immediate steps'

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Ministers have served a Preliminary Notice under Section 66C of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 on Donaldson's School, Linlithgow, following concerns raised by Education Scotland as part of an on-going inspection.

"Immediate steps have been taken, and will continue to be taken, to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils.

"A team of inspectors and key partners returned to the school on Monday to continue working with the school to secure improvements.

"This has included meeting with the board of governors, the parents of pupils and liaising with Police Scotland."

In a statement, the recently appointed principal of the school, Laura Battles, said she had received allegations against a member of staff who was immediately suspended.

Pupil wellbeing

She added: "Our first priority is always the safety and wellbeing of pupils and we are working with Education Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and others to ensure this."

"It would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment while this process, including Police Scotland's assessment of the concerns raised, is ongoing."

Supporters of the school say they do not want the crisis there to detract from what they say is the excellent work of some of the teachers.

They also warn that if this were to lead to the school's closure, it would be a huge blow for youngsters with complex learning needs.

There have been previous concerns over how well Donaldson's was being run.

A report by Education Scotland last year raised concerns about the schools' performance.

A follow-up report this summer said good progress was being made but warned more improvements were needed.

The report said: "The lack of stability in relation to senior management posts and high levels of staff absence require to be addressed.

"There continues to be a need to develop the future vision for Donaldson's and to ensure strong and permanent leadership."

Earlier last year, two senior members of staff lost their jobs because of the way they handled an inquiry into an allegation of inappropriate behaviour some years earlier which involved another member of staff and an adult unconnected with the school.