McArthur asks Education Secretary to visit Orkney to engage with local teachers

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur today asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth, if she would agree to visit Orkney to engage with the local education sector on the challenges they are facing in the delivery of ASL. 

Mr McArthur has previously highlighted that issues of staff recruitment and retention, as well as a lack of resources and a shrinking school estate are creating difficulties for teachers in Orkney in delivery of inclusive ASL for children with a wide range of additional support needs.

In response, the Cabinet Secretary confirmed her willingness to visit Orkney and learn more about the specific challenges faced by the education sector locally. 

Commenting after the exchange, Mr McArthur said: 

“I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to make the visit to Orkney to meet with the council, local teachers and parents to discuss the barriers to delivery of ASL in Orkney. 

“Whilst the government’s willingness to undertake a national review of ASL provision and mainstreaming policy is welcome, any review must pay attention to the specific circumstances of island communities. In Orkney, there are no special schools, and so all children with additional support needs are provided for by mainstream schooling. 

“I know from my engagement with the education sector locally that whilst the benefits of an inclusive approach are recognised, mainstream schools are excluded from the designated funding provisions that special schools receive. It is clear that targeted support for island schools is desperately needed to enable access to ASL for all pupils. 

“I look forward to the Cabinet Secretary visiting Orkney and engaging with these important issues.”