Data for children attending school from Mull: FOI release

Information requested

1. The number of days lost due to ferry or weather issues.

2. The impact of lost school days on the learning and the educational outcomes of these students.

3. The frequency with which Google Classroom (or indeed parental/carer support) is relied upon if students are unable to attend school for the reasons highlighted above.

4. Information relating to the possible impacts of hostel living on the mental health & well-being of students.

5. The long-term plan for educational delivery on Mull including, and how this may change in the future.

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have most of the information you have requested. However, you may wish to contact Argyll and Bute Council at Enquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk who may be able to help you.

I hereby provide you with formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested in questions 1 to 4.

However, in relation to your query about the accuracy of the attendance data, as schools operate for approximately 190 days per year, excluding weekends and holiday periods, 30 days of disruption to ferries annually would only equate to around 8% of school time. Therefore the 90% attendance figure for Oban High School may well be accurate, in spite of 30 days of weather related disruption.

Children and young people’s progress, attainment and achievements can be impacted by any absence. The higher the absence, the greater the impact on attainment. Further information on supporting attendance and managing absence, including how absences should be recorded by schools, can be found here: Included, Engaged and Involved part 1: A Positive Approach to the Promotion and Management of Attendance in Scottish Schools.

The information you have requested in question 5 is available from Argyll and Bute Annual Education Plan | Argyll and Bute Council. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.