Executive Director's update

Lyndsay McRoberts - Executive Director of Education Resources

Education Resources is the largest service within South Lanarkshire Council, supporting around 60,000 learners and their families every day. With a workforce of over 7,000 and an annual budget approaching £490 million, our reach extends across 129 primary schools, 20 secondary schools, 89 early learning and childcare settings, and a network of community and specialist services. Our mission is clear: to deliver high-quality, equitable education and support for every child and young person, regardless of background or ability. Our work is closely aligned with the Council Plan and the Scottish Government’s National Improvement Framework, ensuring our efforts contribute directly to the council’s Connect Outcomes and the wider Community Plan.

Over the past year, we have seen remarkable dedication, resilience, and innovation from our learners, staff, and communities. Our Standards and Quality Report 2024–25 highlights:

• Strong leadership and collaboration: Positive inspection outcomes, robust self-evaluation, and a culture of continuous improvement have been recognised by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.
• Raising attainment and closing gaps: Literacy and numeracy attainment in P1/4/7 and S3 is at its highest since 2016/17, with gaps between the least and most deprived pupils continuing to close. Our positive destination rate for school leavers is 96.4%, above the national average.
• Wellbeing and inclusion: Targeted interventions, trauma-informed practice, and enhanced support for care-experienced and neurodiverse learners have improved attendance, reduced exclusions, and strengthened mental health supports.
• Curriculum innovation: Schools are embracing adaptive teaching, digital learning, and interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring our curriculum remains relevant and engaging.
• Climate justice and sustainability: Over 60 schools are involved in EcoSchools, and pupil-led initiatives are driving real change in environmental awareness and action.

Our priorities for 2026–27

Looking ahead, we are responding to both national and local drivers for change, including the findings of Education Scotland’s review of local authorities. Our key areas of focus are:

1. Learning, teaching and assessment

• Embedding adaptive, evidence-based teaching to personalise learning and close attainment gaps.
• Strengthening early years pedagogy and enhancing literacy and numeracy provision.
• Expanding digital learning strategies for equitable access.

2. Curriculum development

• Supporting curriculum reform in line with national guidance.
• Promoting interdisciplinary learning and strengthening professional networks.
• Improving the wellbeing curriculum and advancing digital innovation.
• Embedding climate justice and sustainability in our curriculum and daily practice, empowering learners and staff to take action.

3. Wellbeing, inclusion and equity

• Improving attendance and engagement through targeted interventions.
• Enhancing support for neurodiverse and ASN learners.
• Delivering on The Promise for care-experienced children and embedding UNCRC principles.

4. Building a self-improving service

• Implementing robust self-evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
• Investing in leadership development at all levels, especially for middle leaders.
• Fostering a culture of collaborative improvement and shared accountability.

5. Integrated 3–18 education support service

• Transitioning to a unified support structure, reducing fragmentation and ensuring continuity.
• Developing flexible, innovative support models, including digital and hybrid approaches.

Our plans are underpinned by careful stewardship of resources, with a focus on achieving best value, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and using data and evidence to drive progress. We support our employees through robust training and development, ensuring everyone has the tools and confidence to deliver excellence.

The achievements and ambitions outlined here are only possible thanks to the commitment and collaboration of our staff, learners, families, and partners. As we move forward, we invite everyone to engage with our plans, share ideas, and work together to achieve the best outcomes for South Lanarkshire’s children and young people.

Lyndsay McRoberts
Executive Director of Education Resources
Phone 01698 454379
Email lyndsay.mcroberts@southlanarkshire.gov.uk