Reputation no longer stands up

Published 31 Mar 2010 16:00 1 Comment

When I started teaching in Fife over 30 years ago, the Council's education service had a director, an assistant and a secretary. Across the land, Fife had an unrivalled reputation in education.

A vast bureaucracy now serves Fife's pupils, parents and teachers (although many of the latter feel that they serve the bureaucracy!).

Similar structures exist in almost every department in each of Scotland's 32 local councils. In each department, the emphasis is on policies and 'quality assurance'.

An example of the 'overkill' in schools exists if we look at the process of inspection. Headteachers are expected to take a lead in school quality assurance. Fine. Her Majesty's Inspectorate carries out inspections as part of a cycle. Fine. However, Councils are also required to inspect schools. Why? Even if this is desirable, can society afford such duplication of effort?

I raise this example in the context of what is meant by 'front-line' services. In Fife, we face the ludicrous prospect of loyal music instructors being removed from classrooms and thrown onto the dole.

Lower-paid office staff in schools are to be forced into 'term-time only' contracts.

Elderly people are to be denied pension and shopping services, face cuts in concessionary rail travel and an increase in the cost of an emergency alarm.

In answer to the question, 'Which is more valuable, a 'front-line' service or a new policy document?' I suspect that the vast majority of Fifers would prefer to retain the proud traditions of care and service that were developed over the years. I am the last person who would want to see anyone lose her or his job. Redeployment should be the first priority.

However, if cuts are necessary, Fife Council should turn its gaze inward and examine its structures, and evaluate what value they add to the experience of those who use 'front-line' services.

Perhaps after that, Fife could reclaim its place at the forefront of Scotland's local authorities.

REALIST.

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• 

  honestman
  Unregistered User
  Apr 3, 07:09
  Report comment

  wasn't it the case that the back up in the Education department was a direct result of an HMIE inspection that saw the management being totally replaced?
  
  But on the overall point - no amount of internal tinkering can cope with level of cuts that are on their way. Public services are about to be devastated.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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