COMHAIRLE nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) has made progress delivering education and social work over the past year and doesn’t need additional scrutiny, according to a report. The 2018/19 Audit Scotland Local Scrutiny Plan identified the council is receiving Scottish Attainment Challenge support, with pupil equity funding in place in schools. The plan also found there is strong strategic leadership and that the comhairle has appropriate governance in place to ensure educational provision is well organised and well led. Outcomes for young people are improving and are more positive compared to youngsters with similar needs and backgrounds from across the country.
A progress review of services for children and young people was carried out in May 2017. As well as concluding there had been considerable progress in all areas, the Care Inspectorate found the council’s role in looking after children in care had been embraced and the voices of these children were increasingly influencing policy and practice. There was evidence of improved collaborative working at all levels across the partnership.
Comhairle leader Roddie Mackay said: ‘It is good to see progress being made by the authority in these areas and recognised by these scrutiny bodies. It is to be welcomed the plan has not identified a need for additional scrutiny.’