Hogg report: MSP demands review following Sheriff's findings

Published 19 Jan 2010 12:26 0 Comments

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SNP MSP Christine Grahame has called for an immediate review of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education after a Sheriff returned his findings following a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Borders Headteacher Irene Hogg.

She believes serious questions arise relating to "quality indicators" used by HMIE and which were highlighted in Sheriff Farrell's findings.

Ms Grahame said: "The FAI report highlighted how a very minor care and protection incident which Miss Hogg did not record immediately at the time of the Inspection resulted in the school being graded from 'very good' to 'weak'.

"The incident which related to an unfounded allegation was dealt with by Irene Hogg promptly and efficiently the Sheriff concluded, but yet HMIE inspectors decided Miss Hogg's failure to record this was sufficient to dramatically mark the school down. This 'weak' HMIE grading had a clear and very profound impact on Miss Hogg.

"The decision by HMIE to subsequently change the grading to 'adequate' following Miss Hogg's death merely undermines the credibility of HMIE's 'quality indicators' yet further.

"I believe an immediate and thorough review of these indicators is required as it raises serious questions about the relevance and robustness of the inspection regime as a whole.

"Lastly I would like to pay tribute to Irene Hogg who I myself met during a previous visit to Glendinning school. As a former teacher myself I could tell that the school was a happy environment for the children. That is reflected in Sheriff Farrell's findings and tribute to the professionalism and integrity of Irene Hogg who remains sadly missed by family, friends, colleagues and pupils alike."

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