Monday, December 7, 2009

SNP Education Minister Mike Russell has work to do, the school inspectorate processes need to be reviewed in light of the passing of Irene Hogg
























Dear All

The purpose of independent inspections is to raise standards in order to help staff and pupils achieve more.

What does it say that that headteacher, Irene Hogg was found dead after a critical school inspection?

It would say to me that something in the education culture have gone badly awry that a process that should be a help turned into something seen as "torturous".

Irene Hogg was headteacher at Glendinning Primary School in Galashiels for 19 years and combined teaching with administration.

It is said that after her school was inspected she was very distraught with some saying shell shocked after a bad report.

It would seem that the inspection process is in need of review following this poor woman’s death with the inspectorate needed to provide improved back up services. It surely simply cannot be enough that after an inspection people are simply cut adrift and not supported.

Irene Hogg deserved better after 19 years of service.

I would say that the SNP Education Mike Russell has work to do here immediately. A review of process is needed to be carried out to help people understand the inspection process is a help and not to be feared.

Her Brother, Roger said;

"Not just the result but the whole process had been quite torturous for her and the outcome in her mind had been quite disastrous. She felt her whole professional being had been undermined by this process."

This shows that something is seriously gone wrong.

Ms Hogg’s letter makes disturbing reading;

"I'm so sorry I've just muddled through the last few years and made a mess of everything."

As well as the inspectorate being lacking; I would say that the Council also need to look why more procedures were not putting in place to support her when she desperately needed help.

Supply teacher David Kiernan said of Irene;

"She had my respect. She was dedicated to her school, staff, parents and children. She set very high standards for herself."

It is a pity that those in authority were not more dedicated to help her; one can only feel sorry for her family and hope that something is done about this by the Scottish Government.

Yours sincerely


George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University

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