The group will review all aspects of the existing guidance, which sets out a consistent approach for local authorities to assess and report the condition of their school estate. Recommendations on what improvements could be made to the current guidance will be reported to Ministers by autumn 2015.
The group will consist of representatives from both public and private organisations. Cabinet Secretary for Education Angela Constance said, “We want all our children and young people to learn in good quality schools that are safe and fit for purpose and and we are working hard to ensure that is the case across the country.
“This review will ensure local authorities have up-to-date and clear guidance on how to accurately and reliably assess the condition of their school estate and I look forward to hearing the group’s recommendations later this year. The Scottish Government places a huge emphasis on high quality learning and is committed to delivering high quality, well designed, sustainable schools. That is why, by 2020, more than 100 schools will have been rebuilt or refurbished across Scotland through our £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme.”
Since 2007 the proportion of schools reported as being in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition has risen to 83 per cent and the number of pupils in poor or bad buildings has more than halved.
