Temporary closures of schools and nurseries - statutory guidance update: island communities impact assessment

Step One – Develop a clear understanding of your objectives

The main objective is to update the guidance for the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, specifically in relation, to the temporary closure (formerly known as “mothballing” of schools and nurseries). The objective is to provide clearer national guidance on the circumstances in which temporary closure may be considered, ensuring decisions are transparent and take account of the impact on pupils, parents/carers and the wider community, including those in island settings. The revised guidance provides greater clarity on the circumstances in which temporary closure may be appropriate, sets out key factors for decision-making, and strengthens expectations for early engagement with parents, carers, pupils, and communities. It also includes recommendations for transparency and actions following a decision, such as maintaining buildings and monitoring demand.

A full public consultation is not considered necessary. However, extensive engagement has been undertaken with local authorities (including island authorities), Education Scotland, school closure review panel members and parent/carer representatives. Using the statutory definition under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and the Scottish Government’s recognised list of island communities.

This policy update is intended to clarify and standardise, as far as possible, the factors that should be considered where a school or nursery is being considered for temporary closure and to reduce uncertainty in communities around the circumstances in which temporary closure should be used. The updated guidance contains information on the importance of early engagement with communities and transparency of decision making. On islands, impacts may differ due to limited alternative school/nursery provision, and transport challenges meaning that the criteria for temporary closures to be considered or taken forward may be different to that in mainland contexts. The changes are an update to existing guidance.