« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
BUILDING OUR FUTURE: Scotland's School Estate
FOREWORD
Education is one of the biggest investments we make in our nation's future. Education is at the top of the agenda of both the Scottish Executive and Scotland's local authorities. Our joint aim is to provide the world class education service which our children deserve - to give every child the best possible start in life.
Two years ago we set out our vision and plans for a teaching profession for the 21st century. We are now doing the same for the school estate, to ensure the creation of a teaching and learning environment fit for the future.
Every school should be a centre of excellence, raising aspirations, inspiring learners and teachers, enabling and supporting education, and making a positive contribution to local communities. Our strategy to improve the school environment will deliver better public services to pupils and the wider community.
We have embarked on the biggest ever programme of new investment in Scotland's school buildings, beginning to address the legacy of many years of under-investment. The worst and most pressing problems are being tackled first. This strategy puts in place a framework within which we can consider the future of the whole school estate and plan for the long term, to an extent which has never been done before.
Our prime objective is to raise and then maintain the quality of the school estate across Scotland. We will work together to ensure that all schools have high standards of facilities, design and build, and provide a flexible environment which can continue to meet future needs. Our strategy makes clear that there is no preconceived idea of an 'ideal' or 'one size fits all' school. Solutions will be as varied as local circumstances, but with the emphasis always on quality and high standards.
The strategy also sets out what is needed to make it all happen. A new style of partnership between the Executive and local authorities will need to be matched by a shared commitment to resources; we recognise that there are limits to these resources and successful implementation must intelligently balance priorities and resources. We will also work jointly to share skills, experience, learning, and good practice.
This is the start of a process; much work lies ahead. Progress and success will depend on working together in partnership. As plans are made and decisions taken, the whole process will involve the widest possible consultation and discussion with pupils, parents, teachers and local communities.
We have a once in a generation chance to achieve a real step change in the quality of our school buildings. We must seize the opportunity and make the right choices for the future.
 |  |
Cathy Jamieson, MSP
Minister for Education and Young People | Nicol Stephen, MSP
Deputy Minister for Education and Young People |
 |  |
Cllr Pat Watters
President, COSLA | Cllr Helen Law
Education Spokesperson, COSLA |
« Previous | Contents | Next »