Parents sound alarm over safeguarding risks and staffing at Inverness ASN school

Parents of pupils at a special school in Inverness worried about provision, safety and support for their youngsters have aired their concerns with the education secretary.

Members of the Drummond School parent council shared families’ experiences with Jenny Gilruth and outlined the challenges many of the pupils are reported to be facing.

They highlighted longstanding concerns including “capacity pressures” within the school.

Parents pointed to “staffing instability, reduced specialist provision, safeguarding risks, the removal of nursing support” and “the need for greater transparency around funding decisions.”

They also raised concerns about how national guidance and legislation relating to additional support needs (ASN) are interpreted.

They said the minister acknowledged many concerns as “legitimate”.

The parent council described the situation as “a prolonged and escalating challenge affecting vulnerable children”.

Safety and medical care concerns were raised including the removal of nursing provision.

Parents called for urgent action to improve trust and to ensure appropriate safeguards.

The delegation pledged to engage constructively with Highland Council and to monitor implementation of school inspection recommendations.

Offering her thanks to the parent council, Gilruth described their meeting as “very constructive.”

In a statement, she said: “It’s concerning to hear of staffing issues at the school.

“Highland Council is responsible for the delivery of education at Drummond School and have statutory duties to provide for and review support they provide.

“The Scottish Government expects Highland Council to appropriately and quickly address HMIE’s recent inspection findings.”

She said the Scottish Government had invested £186.5m in local authorities to increase the teaching workforce.

She added that a review of Additional Support Learning was recently announced.

It is due to conclude before the end of the current parliamentary term.

Highland Council has been approached for comment.