Fife Council delays decisions after concerns on plans to change primary school leadership arrangements in East Neuk

Fife Council says it's going to delay decisions on leadership changes in primary schools affecting the East Neuk.

The local authority says that it'll take more time to listen to people's views after concerns were raised.

According to a report in The Courier earlier this month, three "leadership models" were being proposed, but the council plans to hold a discussion after bringing back some such leadership models, once people's opinions have been gathered and after the local government elections in May.

Craig Walker, convener of the Education and Children's Services sub-committee, explained: "Parents and school communities have been making their views on these proposals heard over the last three weeks and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved. 

"These leadership changes are aimed at improving education for all our children and young people.

"That has always been, and continues to be, our main priority.  

"The opportunity to discuss the educational benefits and challenges of the recommended leadership models has been really helpful to us in understanding local views and perceptions.

"However it's now clear we need more time to fully understand local concerns and make sure the proposals reflect the discussions we're having with parent councils and the wider community.

There will be another consultation in the next school year for the cluster of schools for Waid Academy, according to the convener of the sub-committee.

He added: "We will then consult again in the next academic session (22/23) on a leadership model for the Waid cluster of schools.

"Current leadership arrangements across the schools in the Waid Cluster will remain as they are for August 2022.

"As has always been the case, the outcome of the consultation was not predetermined, it was open and transparent as will any future discussions on this matter.

"I hope this reassures parents and school communities that our focus through all of this has, and will continue to be, supporting our school leaders and their teams to provide the best learning and teaching for all children and young people."