Council commends ‘considered responses’ to consultation
Tuesday, November 4 2008
Scottish Borders Council has received several hundred responses to the 19-week consultation on its Transforming Children’s Services review.
To fully assess the responses, and any educational and financial consequences, a report will now go to elected members at the Council meeting on 18 December rather than 20 November as originally planned.
The responses - from teachers, parents, parent councils and other interested parties - have been commended by Executive Member for Education, Councillor Catriona Bhatia; Director of Education, Glenn Rodger, and Director of Social Work, Andrew Lowe.
Councillor Bhatia said: “I have been really impressed by the many considered responses, and more importantly some of the proactive and innovative proposals which will now be assessed in full. I expect there will be several changes to the recommendations, and would like to thank all of those who took the time to put their views and suggestions to the Council. It is clear from this process that the issue of the quality of services which we deliver for children in the Borders is a top priority for many, a view which I share.”
Councillor Bhatia added: “That said, with a project of this size, and the huge range of views expressed, the outcome is unlikely to satisfy everyone. Councillors will need to make fully informed and balanced judgements on the recommendations which are finally presented to the Council.”
Director of Education Glenn Rodger said: “The quality and volume of the responses to the consultation demonstrate that the extensive and lengthy engagement process we undertook was effective. I have been very impressed by the thoughtfulness and professionalism demonstrated in many of the ideas that have come forward."
Director of Social Work Andrew Lowe commented: “We are very mindful of the central place that children have in the life of the Borders and the responses, both written and verbal, have fully justified the extended consultation on this important review.”
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