A “particular increase” in the number of racist incidents in Angus secondary schools has sounded alarm bells.
Incidents of a racial nature increased from 19 in 2014/15 to 35 last year.
The leap was well up from just 15 in 2011/12.
Across the board, bullying in secondary schools in Angus went up from 90 to 126 including incidents based on race, religion, gender or sexuality.
That’s still much lower than five years ago when the total was 233 but the council’s annual evaluation report said it needs to “address the rise in bullying incidents in secondary schools”.
The Children and Learning Directorate’s annual report by head of quality and performance Les Hutchinson said the council has a “clear focus” on reducing the number of incidents.
Kirriemuir councillor Ronnie Proctor said the bullying increase in secondary schools was concerning after the good work to bring it down.
“Hopefully next year we will see the figures go back down again,” he told the meeting of the children and learning committee.
Bullying in primary schools is down from 34 incidents in 2014/15 to 21 last year although there was a rise in exclusions from three to nine while secondary exclusions remained at 32 for a second year running.
Margo Williamson, strategic director of children and learning, said: “Rightly or wrongly, we are very much judged on our performance and this report outlines where our evaluation of progress stands.”
She said the Senior Leadership Team will “prioritise the most urgent matters”.
She said it has been a “challenging but rewarding year”.
“The context we all work in continues to get tougher.
“In the future, there is no indication that will change and further challenges will be presented.
“The uncertainty that brings cannot allow us to lose focus and why we do the jobs we do: to improve the lives of children, young people and families as best we are able through providing excellent opportunities for our children and young people; supporting families to be strong; and keeping communities safe.”
She also warned that – as in recent years – the council’s financial position will be challenging.
She said: “As I have met staff throughout the directorate, I have been impressed by their enthusiasm; commitment; creativity; and resilience.
“I firmly believe that we are well placed to meet the challenges that will face us, and that we will continue to improve our services.”
Significant strengths and developments identified within the report included:
* Angus school leavers’ achievements in literacy and numeracy were higher than national and virtual comparator
* Angus school leavers from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieved better than the national and virtual comparator
* The council has further increased the percentage of its Looked After and Accommodated Children in family based placements.
* Consultations with children and young people and families have directly influenced service developments
* It has improved outcomes for children with additional support needs as a consequence of changes in practice and targeted interventions
* Investment in new community campuses and residential and housing support facilities has significantly improved learning environments and support for transitions for children and young people
