Inspection and quality

Validated self-evaluation

Validated self evaluation (VSE) is a voluntary process that education authorities carry out with H M Inspectors (Education Scotland) to improve the quality of the education they provide and thereby improve outcomes for learners. In the Scottish Borders the council is the education authority.

Recent VSE

We invited HM Inspectors to join us for a VSE which took place between October 2011 and February 2012.

Following consultation with stakeholders, in partnership with HM Inspectors we identified four themes to consider in greater detail during the VSE.

These themes were designed to evaluate:

  • progress made in the development of children's writing across schools
  • how well parents are involved in the life and work of the school
  • progress of the development of the learning community model since Transforming Children's Services recommendations were implemented
  • improvement through self evaluation

Members of theme groups

Each theme group was chaired by an experienced head teacher and supported by a senior education officer. Members were recruited from:

  • schools
  • community learning and development
  • the department's policy and planning team

The parental partnership officer and a parent joined the parental involvement theme group. Education Scotland staff, both HM Inspectors and Associate Assessors from other local authorities, joined each theme group.

VSE reports

Contact HQ Operations Team

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800