Sudden closure of Scottish school to be reviewed

An Independent Review into the closure of New School Butterstone, a residential school for children with additional support needs, has been commissioned by Scottish Ministers.

The school closed in November 2018 and the Independent Review will consider the procedures followed by the school’s Board and a range of public bodies in advance of the decision to close.

James Martin CBE will be carrying out the Independent Review.

Swinney said: “The sudden closure of the New School Butterstone had a significant impact on the pupils, their families and staff, and our priority since then has been to ensure the wellbeing of all the former pupils.

“I have met many of the families and staff and heard their concerns regarding the closure. This Independent Review will consider the actions of all relevant bodies and, if applicable, identify any learning that can enhance practice in the future.”

The Independent Review will consider the roles and responsibilities of a number of organisations including the School Board, the Care Inspectorate, Education Scotland, Registrar of Independent Schools, relevant local authorities and the Scottish Government, in relation to the educational quality, safety, and wellbeing of the children and young people at the school.

It will also consider the actions and decisions took from 1 January 2017 to the school closing on 23 November 2018. This includes the interactions with the school, each other, and the basis on which recommendations were made.