Published 01 April 2025
A Council-run school which provides specialist support for pupils experiencing difficulty in mainstream education has been ranked Very Good for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
The Choices Programme, which aims to provide pupils with the necessary skills for life and work, was visited by inspectors from Education Scotland earlier this year.
They found an effective leadership team and young people who are responsible and polite showing warmth and care towards adults and their peers.
Inspectors praised a united staff team using creative and imaginative approaches to engage young people in learning.
The report also identified that the school provides extensive opportunities for young people to experience achievement during lessons as well as in the outdoors and within the local community.
All areas of the school were ranked as Good or Very Good with no requirement for any follow up inspection.
Following the inspectors’ report, staff have been encouraged to provide a broader range of subjects and course awards to support young people to gain a higher number of awards and more advanced National Qualifications.
School leaders are also advised to review school improvement plans to reflect a narrower focus, helping them to concentrate their efforts on the most important priorities for students.
Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Clare Steel said: “The Choices Programme provides a specialist place where pupils can receive the support they need to flourish in education.
“I am absolutely thrilled for both the teaching staff and the pupils at Choices for this report from the inspectors, particularly the fact that they have identified wellbeing, equality and inclusion as being very good.
“These factors are very important in ensuring young people who are facing additional challenges are welcomed and encouraged in a school environment.”
Vice Convener of Educational Services, Councillor John Millar said: “It is great to hear that the Choices Programme, which is a vital part of the education structure here in West Dunbartonshire, has received such praise from inspectors.
“The dedicated staff work extremely hard for the best outcomes for their pupils which has been evidenced in the report by the inspectors.”